Early breastfeeding as protective factor for preschool emotional and behavioral health
摘要
To examine the association between any breastfeeding duration and emotional and behavioral problems in 4-year-old children, considering psychosocial, demographic, and perinatal variables. The sample included 564 children. Any breastfeeding duration was categorized into four groups: no breastfeeding, 1–4 months, 4–8 months, and more than 8 months. Emotional and behavioral development was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 (CBCL 1½–5). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were applied to explore associations between breastfeeding groups and CBCL 1½–5 outcomes. Any breastfeeding for 1–4 months was associated with lower scores on internalizing (β = − 4.21; p = 0.014) and externalizing (β = − 3.30; p = 0.044) problems scales, including emotional reactivity, anxiety/depression, somatic complaints, withdrawn behavior, and aggressiveness. It also reduced the risk of clinical scores for internalizing problems (OR = 0.035; p = 0.010) and symptoms compatible with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (OR = 0.32; p = 0.041). Protective effects were found for 4–8 months of breastfeeding limited to specific subscales. No additional benefits were observed beyond 8 months.
Conclusions: Early breastfeeding, particularly within the first 4 months, may protect effects against emotional and behavioral problems, suggesting that intensity rather than prolonged durations could be more relevant for child development.