The FADS2 gene is going to be the talk of the town in breastfeeding research for quite some time. The newest research, done in a study in Britain and New Zealand, showed that infants who had the gene and were breastfed had an IQ that was, on average, 8 points higher than other infants. The gene was isolated and studied because it produces an enzyme found in breast milk. The research is considered “ground breaking” because it shows that both nurture and nature play a part in a child’s intelligence. It is being used by agencies that want to promote breastfeeding as a message for why mothers should breastfeed.
Um. . .Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
I really didn’t need someone to tell me that both my children’s genes and their environment work together to produce their intelligence. I don’t think any reasonable parent doesn’t know this. As a parent, I’m fully aware that breastfeeding my children has numerous benefits. I am fully aware that I make choices for my children, even as infants, that affects their development. To think that either nature (the genes you’re born with) or nurture (environmental factors once you are born) is solely responsible for my child’s abilities is ludicrous.
Why I Don’t Like This Study
Aside from the fact that I hate to see capable researchers wasting money to tell me things that I already know, I see several possible ethical implications. I should note though, that it’s not the actual research I have a problem with, but rather how it’s being touted to the breastfeeding medicine community.
First of all, whose to say that parents won’t try to find the intelligence gene and selectively choose children who have it? Sounds far fetched? We’re not really far away from designer babies at all. Doctors have the capability and some will even choose designer babies for parents depending on the circumstances.
Secondly, I don’t like telling mothers to breastfeed so that their child will be smarter. Breastfeed because that’s what your breasts are designed to do. Breastfeed because you’ll pass your antibodies onto your baby decreasing the likelihood of him getting sick. Breastfeed because it’s natural and more hygienic than bottle feeding. Breastfeed because it’s easier. But don’t breastfeed to increase your child’s intelligence.