What Really Happens to Your Baby When You Exclusively Breastfeed, According to Science

Breastfeeding is often praised as the best start for babies, but how much of that is backed by science? We take a closer look at what research really says about how breastfeeding supports your baby’s growth and development — no pressure, no judgment, just the facts.

Exclusive breastfeeding means giving your baby only breast milk — no formula, water, or solid foods.

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend exclusive breastfeeding to ensure your baby’s optimal growth, development, and overall health.

• A large-scale study with over 570,000 children found that longer or exclusive breastfeeding is associated with fewer developmental delays. Children who were exclusively breastfed for six months or longer demonstrated stronger problem-solving skills at age 3 compared to those who were never breastfed.
• In addition to boosting cognitive development, research consistently shows that breastfed babies outperform bottle-fed ones on mental ability tests.
• Exclusive breastfeeding also seems to promote key language milestones. Babies who were exclusively breastfed showed better monobabbling and more responsive reactions to the word “no.”

• But that’s not all. Research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding may also benefit your baby’s social and emotional development. Babies breastfed exclusively for at least four months scored higher on social interaction tests at both 6 and 12 months compared to their non-breastfed peers.
• Beyond development, exclusive breastfeeding offers numerous physical health benefits. Breast milk is packed with the perfect nutrition, supports your baby’s growth, and provides protection against certain illnesses and diseases.

While the benefits are clear, it’s important to acknowledge that exclusive breastfeeding isn’t always an option for every family.

Many factors — such as a mother’s health, work responsibilities, and personal preferences — play a major role in feeding decisions. What truly matters is choosing the approach that fits your individual circumstances and values.

Public attitudes toward breastfeeding differ widely, making it essential to honor the variety of experiences and viewpoints:

• I couldn’t breastfeed, I don’t have to be mad that kids that were might have an advantage. We all have advantages / disadvantages for everything, we stack the chips in our kids favor every time we can. © anythingexceptbertha / Reddit
• Of course, fed is best. No one is dismissing that. Studies like this are just finding associations that might make one better than the other, but of course, not conclusive. Also, just because one might be better than the other, it doesn’t make the other wrong.
  It’s mainly saying if you have BOTH options, and you are deciding which one to follow, these are some things you could consider. This is not for people who don’t have both options. Also, always note that it’s an association, not necessarily causation, and there are always exceptions. It’s just a trend. © Enamoure / Reddit
• Of course natural breastfeeding is inherently better. There’s no much science behind the mother sending nutrients, Antibodies, etc. that lab created formula can’t.
  It’s okay if you don’t want to believe it because of your choices but science doesn’t lie. I’m not one to judge, it is what it is. Do what you gotta do. © AgsMydude / Reddit
• Breastfeeding can also take a toll on the mother. Needing to keep up supply, getting fussy baby to latch in the middle of the night, pumping when at work etc. I think unfortunately in hospitals, mothers are shamed if they don’t breastfeed and it causes a lot of pressure. © lewlkewl / Reddit

At the end of the day, what really matters is supporting parents in finding what works best for their family. Every journey is unique — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The subject of breastfeeding has always been a source of mixed emotions for women. Nevertheless, a brighter side is emerging, thanks to a wave of influential celebrities leading the way in shifting societal biases.