Does breast-feeding prevent bratty behavior?

Breast-feeding linked to better behavior in new study.

/ istockphoto

(CBS) Does bottle-feeding produce brats?

A new study by British scientists shows that babies who are breast-fed for at least four months are less likely to develop major behavior problems in childhood. They're also less likely to lie or steal or to be anxious or hyperactive.

For the study - published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood - scientists from the Universities of Oxford, Essex, York and University College London used questionnaires to collect data on more than 10,000 infants born in 2000 and 2001. The researchers found that 16 percent of formula-fed children had developed behavior problems by age five, as compared to six percent of children who had been breast-fed.

What would explain such a big difference? Scientists said one possibility is that breast milk contains fatty acids that aid in brain development, AFP reported. Another possible cause of better behavior may grow out of the strong bond that nursing creates between mother and child.

"We just don't know whether it is because of the constituents in breast milk, or the close interaction with the mum, or whether it is a knock-on effect of reduced illness in breastfed babies," Oxford University's Maria Quigley, told the BBC. "But it does begin to look like we can add fewer behavioral problems as another potential benefit of breastfeeding."

Other benefits of breast-feeding are well established.

In a call to action to support breast-feeding, the U.S. Surgeon General said breast-feeding helps protect children against sudden infant death syndrome and various infections, and that children who are breast-fed are less likely to develop asthma or become obese.

Giving all the benefits that breasts have over the bottle, a woman who chose to bottle-feed would have to be a real boob, right?

Breast-feeding expert Janet Fyle, of the Royal College of Midwives, said "We must not send a negative message to mothers that they have failed, or make them feel guilty because they bottle-feed their babies."

But moms who bottle-feed may get the message in another way - via their kids' bratty behavior.

[thomasdm1]

This article totally ticks me off. Figures it's been written by a man, who has NO clue what it's like to not be able to breastfeed your child.

Not to mention that the study sucks, too, since my daughter got breastmilk (via pumping) for 7 months, and has ADHD. Clearly, some of the "confounding factors" didn't address the medical history of the parents, for starters.

[brian_norwood]

Absolutely. I've noticed a big change in myself since I started.

[tyedyegoddess]

I've known women that breastfed and had bratty kids. The most well-behaved children I've known were formula fed. Whoever wrote this article, that was catty, rude, and just nasty. This just sucks. I hope others complain about this reporter so he at least learns this is NOT ok.

[gousa2012]

hey "elr03c" looks like you are a bit of a c**t. I was talking about bottled breast milk.

[erasmus111]

I don't think you have a freakin' clue what you are talking about.

[Kellydrake1968]

So then by theory all of these rude posts would be by an angry "unbreast" fed person...really...go to prison and ask that question ...Please could you all be that simple minded..It starts with parents and up-bringing. lol We wish we could blame the worlds out of control children on something as easy as MILK lol REALLY

[Bojax39]

"Does breast-feeding prevent bratty behavior?"

Perhaps, but then teaching children manners along with setting boundaries with a bit of discipline might go a long way as well.

While it's been proven that breast feeding does have benefits for both mother and infant and should be practiced when possible, as to future behavioral problems the link may not be all that strong.

This breast feeding thing sounds like another excuse we can use in future when the undisciplined kid possibly grows from self-centered self entitled brat into a criminal. "Have mercy, Your Honor... he didn't mean to do it, he just wasn't suckled!"

[gousa2012]

I agree , breast feeding ( breast milk ) is necessary for the child for its brain growth and attachment to mother and no breast cancer for the mother after she goes beyond age of 40 etc..etc... there are many benefits . In my opinion it has to be a law that a mother has to breast feed ( or feed breast milk ) to her child for min of 1 to 1 and half years. She should focus on one child only in that duration. the mother should be physically developed enough to breast feed her first born for that she should be at least 20 to have milk in her milk bags. When she is pregnant she should be never eating for one person instead she should be always eating for two people. Women continue human race and they should do so in an orderly fashion. These points should be made a law otherwise the new born child is deprived of many benefits.

[elr03c]

Seems to me you are a bit of an idiot. Not everyone has the privilege of breast feeding. Clearly it is beneficial for the child and mother and if everyone had the choice, then yes, everyone should nurse their child. However, there are hundreds of medical conditions that affect lactation in one way or another and either make it extremely difficult or literally impossible to breast feed a child. It is unreal for you to suggest that it be a LAW to breastfeed your child. So, by your suggestion, it would be illegal for women who cannot breastfeed to have children at all. Seems a bit ignorant. You should think about what you say before you say it. You are insulting great mothers everywhere who simply didn't have the pleasure of nursing their children. They are still good mothers with wonderful children.

[wookiee2099]

"the mother should be physically developed enough to breast feed her first born" So those of us who can't produce milk shouldn't have kids? And how are we supposed to know this before our first born? I'm glad I don't live in your dictatorship.

Formula isn't as good as breastmilk, but it is still GOOD. This is the point everyone is missing.

[CBS_CEO]

It always does wonders for my mood.

[taytayliscious]

Based on the comments below, I've conducted an impromptu statistical analysis and determined that breastfed babies are 22% more likely to develop into elitists and bottle-fed babies are 19% more likely to have anger management issues.

[cbscommenta21]

haha..very nice

[KT925]

IMHO...breast feeding promotes good health and a great start in life.
Bad parenting and poor discipline promotes bad behavior! Behavior has nothing to do breast milk. Breast feeding is a wonderful thing, however,it isn't for everyone. Stop crucifying those Mom's who either weren't into it or just couldn't do it. (This is from a mom who was fortunate enough to have breastfed all 4 children successfully.)