Studies suggest that
breastfed children are significantly less likely than are their bottle - fed peers to be obese; develop asthma; have autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes; and be diagnosed with childhood cancers.7 Moreover, infant feeding
practices appear to be associated with cognitive ability during childhood: Full - term infants who are
breastfed, as opposed to bottle - fed, score three to six points higher on IQ tests.8 Family support providers can influence the initiation and continuation of
breastfeeding by promoting, teaching, and supporting nursing; states can maximize potential benefits by
tracking how many mothers start and continue
breastfeeding for at least three months.