Breast Milk Boosts Premature Babies’ Brain Development
Breast milk boosts premature babies’ brain development, as highlighted in a recent study conducted by the University of Edinburgh. Researchers found that the more breast milk premature babies received while in neonatal intensive care, the more significant their brain development, particularly in the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for learning and thinking.
The cerebral cortex, usually underdeveloped in premature babies, showed signs of rapid development in infants who consumed high amounts of breast milk. In fact, the brains of these infants more closely resembled those of full-term babies, suggesting that breast milk plays a crucial role in early brain development. Feeding premature babies with breast milk may help minimize developmental and learning challenges often associated with preterm birth.
The Critical Role of Breast Milk in Early Brain Development
Every year, approximately 15 million children are born prematurely—before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth remains the leading cause of infant mortality and disability. Premature babies face an increased risk of learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and conditions such as cerebral palsy. These long-term effects often stem from underdeveloped brain structures, including the cerebral cortex.
Research from the University of Edinburgh, as part of the Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort, scanned the brains of 135 preterm infants and 77 full-term infants. They discovered that premature infants who received higher amounts of breast milk had brain scans that closely resembled those of babies born at full term. This finding suggests a positive link between breast milk consumption and improved cortical maturation in preterm infants.
Nutrients in Breast Milk Supporting Brain Development
Breast milk boosts premature babies‘ development by providing essential nutrients such as fats, proteins, and minerals that support not only physical growth but also brain development. Moreover, breast milk contains immunological factors that enhance babies’ immune systems, protecting them from infections that can further complicate preterm birth outcomes.
Experts believe that additional research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the brain-boosting benefits of breast milk. However, the study suggests that mothers of preterm babies should be encouraged to express breast milk whenever possible, as it may offer the best chance for optimal brain development.
A Dose-Dependent Relationship
The study found a dose-dependent effect of breast milk on brain development. Babies who consumed higher amounts of breast milk showed more developed cortical structures than those who received less. This reinforces the importance of maximizing breast milk intake during the critical weeks in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to support healthy brain growth.
