Association between breastfeeding and lower risk of behavioral problems in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire

Association between breastfeeding and lower risk of behavioral problems in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Xue Liu

  • Miao Liu

  • Hongli Chen

  • Yinan Zheng

  • Qian Zhao

  • Zhongli Li

  • Yuling Zhou

  • Lilian Chen

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of behavioral problems in children, with a pooled odds ratio of 0.66.

  • 2

    Internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems are significantly reduced with breastfeeding, showing odds ratios of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively.

  • 3

    Subgroup analyses reveal that the association between breastfeeding and behavioral problems varies by study design and region.

  • 4

    Longer breastfeeding duration (≥6 months) trends toward a lower risk of behavioral problems, though not statistically significant.

  • 5

    Further high-quality prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal mechanisms linking breastfeeding and behavioral outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Association between breastfeeding and lower risk of behavioral problems in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Xue Liu, Miao Liu, Hongli Chen, Yinan Zheng, Qian Zhao, Zhongli Li, Yuling Zhou, Lilian Chen

  • June 12, 2026

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