Breastfed children develop better and have better IQs than non bf children.
This is based on the fact that I believe bf children get a better QUALITY OF
SLEEP. I am currently working with a Sleep Specialist in this field hoping
to prove this point. In simple terms, I believe bf babies have better
airways and therefor sleep better. Growth hormone is sleep related, as is
Prolactin and Oxytocin. Symptoms related to poor quality sleep include -
developmental delay, poor concentration, hyperactivity, night mares,
headaches, snoring, and bed wetting. Children who do not sleep well have a
more difficult time staying awake during the day and find it more difficult
to concentrate on school studies. I have seen dramatic changes in attitudes
and attention spans of both children and adults who have had their airways
opened - which allowed them to sleep better.
If interested in this topic, two references can be found in most medical
libraries - Sheldon,Spire, Levy, "Pediatric Sleep Medicine", Saunders, 1992;
and Ferber & Kryger, "Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine in the
Child", Saunders, 1995
"We only see what we know, therefore we must know to serve."
Brian Palmer DDS
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