New research from China suggests that longer breastfeeding periods can set up better math and reading scores for children at school, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status. The study, which used data from a national family survey, found that children aged 10 to 15 were given cognitive assessments to test their math and language skills. The results confirm pre-existing knowledge that breastfeeding tends to have "favorable longer-term outcomes." However, Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Northwell Cohen Children’s Medical Center, believes that breastfeeding for a longer period of time is important. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages women to breastfeed for over a year, but only 35% of women in the US do this. There are also health benefits for women who breastfeed, including lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease.