Aghaee S, et al. - In this multiethnic population-based prospective cohort study, researchers explored the link between breastfeeding and puberty timing in order to identify modifiable early puberty risk factors and potential sources of racial/ethnic differences in the timing of puberty development. The study sample consisted of 3331 racially/ethnically diverse girls born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2004 and 2006. Mother-reported breastfeeding duration was acquired throughout the first year of the baby from questionnaires administered at each 'well-baby' check-up and classified as ‘Not breastfed’, ‘Breastfed < 6 months’, and ‘Breastfed ≥ 6 months’. Compared with breastfeeding ≥ 6 months, not breastfeeding was linked to earlier onset of breast and pubic hair development. In addition, breastfeeding for < 6 months was related to the risk of earlier pubic hair development. Among African American girls, the connection between not breastfeeding and early breast development can be stronger than other racial/ethnic groups. Overall, the authors concluded that breastfeeding is an independent predictor of pubertal onset in girls, and the strength of the relationship may vary according to race/ethnicity. Providing support for breastfeeding and lactation education for high-risk mothers can help prevent the earlier pubertal onset and promote positive health outcomes later in life.