Breastfeeding for eight months or more resulted in a significant increase in the verbal and performance IQ scores in children at 7-8 years. Breast milk provides some long-term cognitive benefits.
Horwood, L. J. et al. Breast milk feedings and cognitive ability at 7-8 years. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed
2001:84:423-27.
In identifying environmental factors impacting the onset of Type 1 Diabetes, exclusive breastfeeding immediately after birth was significantly protective, decreasing the risk of childhood diabetes.
McKinney, P.A. et al. Perinatal and neonatal determinants of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999; 22 (6):938-32.