The health benefits of breastfeeding for babies have been well documented for decades. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to suffer from ear infections and stomach bugs.
But mothers who breastfeed reap health benefits as well. Breastfeeding can reduce a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. And the list of health benefits keeps growing.
According to new research from the American Heart Association (AHA), women who breastfed were less likely to develop heart disease, suffer a stroke, or die from cardiovascular disease. It is one of the first studies to find a distinct correlation between breastfeeding and reduction in cardiovascular risk, and the findings are impressive.
Researchers from the AHA reviewed the health records of nearly 1.2 million women from eight different studies conducted between 1986 and 2009 in Australia, China, Norway, Japan, and the United States. Key findings included:
- Women who reported breastfeeding during their lifetime had an 11 percent decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, compared to women who never breastfed.
- Women who breastfed at some time in their life were 14 percent less likely to develop coronary heart disease, 12 percent less likely to suffer strokes and 17 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
There are several theories about the link between breastfeeding and cardiovascular risk. One suggests the involvement of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which both play important roles during lactation. Oxytocin has recently been demonstrated to have several beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system including lower blood pressure, decreased glucose levels, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory action, and decreased body fat.
Another possibility is that the weight loss attributed to breastfeeding can improve cardiovascular health. Research shows that exclusively breastfeeding mothers tend to burn on average 500 additional calories daily. Because elevated weight is a known risk factor for future cardiovascular events, weight loss after pregnancy may lower a woman’s chance of a cardiovascular event.
It is important to note that these are theories, and more research is needed to better understand reasons that breastfeeding reduces cardiovascular risk.
Breastfeeding Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until a child is 12 months old. In the AHA study, the benefits of breastfeeding increased with longer durations of breastfeeding — up to at least 12 months.
Although breastfeeding rates have increased over the past decade in the United States, only 1 in 4 infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. In addition, Black infants in the United States are less likely than white infants to be breastfed for any length of time, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Low rates of breastfeeding add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for the mother and child in the United States. But many women don’t have access to breastfeeding education, lack familial and community support, or have jobs that make it hard for them to breastfeed.
Thankfully, there is a wide variety of resources available to support breastfeeding mothers. Ob-gyns and pediatricians are a great first point of contact. We can help mothers who experience pain when breastfeeding and recommend solutions. Lactation specialists can also help troubleshoot and support women in achieving their breastfeeding goals. Friends and family members may be able to provide guidance, too. Remember, there is never any shame in asking for help. The saying is true: It takes a village to raise a child.
Barriers to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding does not always come easily. The first few weeks can be especially difficult with sore nipples, concerns about adequate milk production, and problems with latching. Be sure to reach out to your ob-gyn, pediatrician, or lactation specialist for help right away if things are not going well. Most women who wish to breastfeed are successful; it just may take some time and extra support.
Some women feel pressured to breastfeed, and if they’re struggling or choose not to, the guilt can take a serious toll on their mental health. When feeding your baby, trust in your decision for what’s best for you and your family. Breastfeeding is not an “all or nothing” situation – mothers can breastfeed their babies as much as possible and then supplement with formula. Even a small amount of breastfeeding can help both mom and baby.
If a woman cannot or chooses not to breastfeed, there are other ways to reduce cardiovascular risk. I encourage all new mothers to eat nutritious foods and gradually return to exercise a few weeks after delivery. Many moms enjoy taking their babies for walks in a stroller or carrier or trying mom and baby exercise classes. Exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can help lower new moms’ stress levels, another factor that impacts cardiovascular health.
New moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to do everything right and ultimately breastfeeding is not the right decision for everyone. What is most important is that you take care of yourself both physically and emotionally and that your baby gets adequate nutrition whether that is breast milk, formula, or a combination.
While I encourage everyone to try to stick with breastfeeding, I would never want a mother to feel guilty if she is unable to or chooses not to. The most important thing is for moms to be able to enjoy those precious first months while taking steps to ensure long-term health for themselves and their growing family.
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