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Breast advice

Babies who are breastfed for the first six months of their lives are less likely to misbehave later, according to research

In fact, kids who are breastfeed during the period are half as likely to have behavioural issues

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BECOMING a parent can be a difficult thing, not least because of all the conflicting advice you'll be handed.

Some believe in giving babies a strict routine from the off, while others swear by a more relaxed approach.

 Breastfeeding for six months can apparently have a big impact on children
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Breastfeeding for six months can apparently have a big impact on childrenCredit: Alamy

What little ones are fed is another highly-discussed topic, with the issue of breastfeeding red hot.

Obviously not everyone is able to breastfeed, but the advice from new research is that if you can there are big benefits for your baby.

A study has suggested that kids who are breastfed for the first six months of their lives are less likely to have behavioural problems later on.

 A study in South Africa suggests it can make kids less likely to misbehave
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A study in South Africa suggests it can make kids less likely to misbehaveCredit: Alamy

We're not talking about the terrible twos or toddler tantrums either - apparently kids between the age of seven and 11 showed the change.

It meant they were more likely to be better at school too.

It's not a small change either - the study claims kids who are breastfeed for those six months are HALF as likely to have issues with misbehaving.

"The duration of exclusive breastfeeding of an infant has greater importance than previously realised in several areas of development," Dr Tamsen Rochat, of the Human Science Research Council in South Africa, said.

"For example, childhood onset conduct disorders can lead to aggressive or disruptive behaviours, which interfere with learning and peer relationships, in turn leading to low self-esteem and further behavioural problems."

 Other research revealed that pregnant women can pass down health problems to three generations
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Other research revealed that pregnant women can pass down health problems to three generationsCredit: Alamy

The research took in 1,500 kids in South Africa, and 900 of them had been involved in another study about feeding.

Tamsen added that kids who show "conduct disorders" early on in their life are more likely to develop into young adults who struggle with things like antisocial behaviour.

The research was published in the PLOS Medicine journal, and it's not the only warning about parenting that's been given recently.

 It's a good idea to stay as healthy as possible during pregnancy and not to succumb to bad eating
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It's a good idea to stay as healthy as possible during pregnancy and not to succumb to bad eatingCredit: Alamy

Expectant mums have been warned that feasting on sugary snacks and high-calorie meals when they're pregnant could have a dramatic impact on their family well into the future.

In fact, it raises the chance of the next three generations of the mum's loved ones have health problems.

Her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could find themselves more prone to diabetes and heart disease if she is obese, because genetic issues are passed down the woman's bloodline.

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