Summary
This narrative literature review synthesises evidence on the multifaceted effects of breastfeeding on both infant and maternal health outcomes. The paper highlights the roles of key bioactive compounds (oxytocin, sialic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) in supporting infant brain development and cognitive function, and demonstrates associations between breastfeeding and reduced maternal risk of mental health disorders and chronic diseases. The review emphasises the physiological stress-lactation axis and recommends gradual weaning to minimise psychological and physiological disruption.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK maternal and child health policy and NHS guidance, particularly given the public health emphasis on breastfeeding promotion and maternal mental health support. However, the abstract does not specify whether evidence synthesis is UK-specific or globally applicable, so direct policy application should be contextualised with UK epidemiological data.
Key measures
Lactation regulation and cortisol levels; infant cognitive development; nervous and immune system development; maternal mental health status; risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in breastfeeding women; sleep regulation mechanisms in infants; weaning outcomes and maternal mood disturbances
Outcomes reported
This literature review examined the effects of breastfeeding on infant nervous and immune system development, cognitive development, and maternal mental and physical health outcomes. The review also explored the physiological mechanisms linking stress, lactation regulation, and key bioactive compounds (oxytocin, sialic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) to infant brain development and sleep regulation.
Topic tags
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