524. How Important Is Breastfeeding, Really?

Emla Fitzsimons, an economist at University College London, and Emily Oster, a Professor at Brown University, dive into the economics of breastfeeding and its contentious impacts on child development. They explore how societal pressures shape breastfeeding choices and discuss the cognitive benefits tied to breastfeeding duration. With insights from innovative studies, they reveal how factors like birth timing affect initiation rates. Their engaging conversation challenges long-held beliefs and urges a deeper understanding of parenting decisions across different backgrounds.