News - AAP: Breastfeeding Status and Mother-Infant Separation Are Independent Predictors of Maternal Maltreatment
"By Jill Taylor
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- November 7, 2003 -- Breastfeeding and mother-infant contact appear to have a protective influence on subsequent child abuse and neglect, according a new study presented here on November 3rd at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.

In both human and animal studies, breastfeeding is associated with blunted maternal stress reactivity and reduced levels of maternal anxiety. Conversely, prolonged maternal separation appears to have an inverse effect...."