A new study says breastfeeding may not only be good for a baby’s health, but also for his or her upward mobility. The research was published this week in the BMJ’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.

The researchers used data from participants in the 1958 (17, 419 people) and 1970 (16,771 people) British Cohort Studies. The studies follow subjects beginning the week they were born and throughout their lives at various intervals. When the children were either 5 or7 years old, their mothers were asked if, earlier, they had breastfed their children.

The father’s social status was measured when the child was eleven. A four point scale was used, ranging from unskilled laborer to manager. The father’s status was used as a measure of comparison when the children in the study reached the age of 33 or 34.

Children who were breastfed were more likely to be upwardly mobile, regardless of other factors including children’s cognitive development and stress levels. Those who were breastfed were also less likely to be downwardly mobile. For both the 1958 and the 1970 groups, breastfeeding increased the chance of upward mobility by 24 percent and decreased the chance of downward mobility by about 20 percent.

Researchers say breastfeeding aids the brain in development which in turn boosts intellect and later social mobility. Children who are breastfed also showed fewer signs of stress.

Still, the study authors are not sure exactly what facet of breastfeeding is most beneficial—the nutrients in the milk itself or the skin to skin contact between mother and baby. “Perhaps the combination of physical contact and the most appropriate nutrients required for growth and brain development is implicated in the better neurocognitive and adult outcomes of breastfed infants,” the researchers said in a statement.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, followed by breast milk in combination with other foods for the next six months of a baby’s life. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, breast milk is easier for babies to digest. The milk’s unique formula can also prevent some diseases. WebMD reports that infants who are breastfed for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.

The authors of the new study suggest breastfeeding provides children with a range of long-term health, developmental and behavioral advantages–advantages which will remain with the child well into adulthood.