The Power of Breastfeeding

New research from Israel declares, “Children who are breastfed for longer periods of time during infancy experience fewer developmental delays and a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including disorders like autism and ADHD” (StudyFinds, March 24, 2025). In short, “breastfeeding babies for at least six months appears to boost their developmental outcomes.” The research, published in the peer-reviewed JAMA Network Open journal, looked at over 500,000 children, including almost 38,000 sibling pairs. It represents one of the largest studies on breastfeeding ever conducted.

According to the study, “Children exclusively breastfed for at least six months had 27% lower odds of developmental delays compared to those breastfed for shorter periods.” Importantly, children who received a combination of formula and breast milk still showed a 14% reduction in developmental delays. Children who breastfed had better language skills and better social development. They even had a small improvement in motor abilities. While multiple factors impact child development, breastfeeding continues to be one key element—even if it is only partial breastfeeding.

While scientists have created infant formula to be helpful, man-made formula yields none of the broad benefits that breastfeeding offers. Surprisingly, for all researchers have learned over the years, scientists still do not understand all the mechanisms that make breastfeeding so beneficial. Yet breastfeeding is clearly the mode of infant feeding that God designed—and when we follow the course of life that God designed, there are always inherent blessings. The benefits of breastfeeding are yet more evidence of a Divine Creator. To learn more, watch “Fingerprints of the Creator.”