Abstract
Breastfeeding is thought to be associated with better neurologic outcomes in a person from infancy to adulthood. This article reviews the existing research on breastfeeding and neurodevelopment in areas of neuromotor development, visual development, cognitive development, educational achievement, and social adaptation, with an emphasis on cognitive development. Existing theories (biochemical, behavioral, and genetic) used to explain the effect of breastfeeding on neurodevelopment are explained including the supporting research. The methodology of published studies is critiqued in the areas of classification of infant feeding, definition of outcomes, study design and statistical analysis, control of confounding variables, and interpretation of results. Taking a historical perspective, the aim of this review is to inform readers on past and current research and its applicability to the current perspective on the benefits of breastfeeding.