Breastfeeding Linked to Academic Success!

As if new mothers needed another reason to consider breastfeeding their new additions, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics has published a report that links breastfeeding for 6 months or longer during infancy to higher academic scores in ten year old children than children who were breastfed for less than 6 months. Breast is best has been the mantra of choice among breastfeeding advocates and child development agencies and there is no doubt that the make up of breast milk is the body's perfect food for an infant... but what if the study is right? What if there really is a correlation between breastfeeding and success in school?

Of course, there is a twist to this study... What is rather interesting is that the researchers noted that the positive academic advantage associated with breastfeeding only seemed to benefit one gender; the boys. The girls had a small but statistically inconsequential benefit.

Isn't that a bit puzzling? I wonder why only boys would be reaping the rewards of breast milk?

The researchers were quick to note that the outcomes were adjusted according to; "gender, family income, maternal factors, and early stimulation at home through reading" but they didn't offer any opinions as to why there would be a gender gap.

Having had two little boys, I have always heard from other boy's parents that the school system is largely suited to little girls these days and that little boys are being unfairly stigmatized as slower academically when they naturally don't develop or mature as quickly as the girls. Frankly, I have always thought this was a little bit of hogwash, but I would really love to hear what they all have to say about the breast edge the boys could get that the girls wouldn't. Did the researchers note more of a success for the boys because there is generally less expected of them or is there really some merit to this correlation?

What is your opinion? Why would only the little boys show an enhanced performance at school when they had been breastfed and not the little girls?

Inquiring minds want to know.