language development and breastfeeding

[Anat Ninio]

Dear Leah,

If you're an Israeli, there is an article in today's Haaretz about the 
non-effects of breastfeeding on practically anything, starting with 
infant health and continuing with intelligence.  The URL is below. 


http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=507898&contrassID=2&subContrassID=2&sbSubContrassID=0

I've never heard of the idea that breastfeeding has any connection to 
language development but on the face of it it sounds to me like a 
completely groundless  New-Age-type invention.  Like crystals and auras, 
you know.  I think, on the other hand, that putting pressure on mothers 
to breastfeed more than they are willing is very harmful for the dyadic 
relationship and can cause emotional and developmental problems for the 
infants involved. 

I hope this answers your question,

Prof.  Anat Ninio
Developmental Psycholinguist
The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel