Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has been associated with numerous benefits for child and adolescent mental health, including improved cognitive abilities and socio-affective responses, potentially due to the nutrients in breast milk that support brain development. Studies suggest that extended breastfeeding beyond six months can lower the risk of mental health problems as children enter adolescence, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for long-term mental health benefits. However, evidence on the direct association between breastfeeding and the prevention of mental health disorders later in life is limited and requires further research to draw definitive conclusions.
