Freakonomics Radio 524. How Important Is Breastfeeding, Really?
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Dec 1, 2022 
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.
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Weekend Birth and Breastfeeding Support
- Emla Fitzsimons struggled with breastfeeding support after giving birth on a weekend.
- This personal experience sparked her research on breastfeeding's impact.
Cause and Effect in Breastfeeding
- It's harder to prove cause and effect in healthcare, especially with breastfeeding.
- Many studies show associations, but it's difficult to isolate breastfeeding's true impact.
Challenges in Parenting Research
- Studying parenting practices is difficult due to inherent differences between families.
- Comparing groups often leads to flawed conclusions, as pre-existing factors influence choices and outcomes.