As a new mother, you naturally seek the best for your baby. You research, evaluate each option, and choose what seems optimal. And rightly so. However, if you’re undecided between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, recent research might sway you towards breastfeeding. According to findings from the American Heart Association, breastfeeding could potentially lower your risk of heart disease.
The most encouraging aspect is that this added protection appears to be enduring. Women who breastfed had a reduced likelihood of experiencing heart attacks and strokes over their lifetime compared to those who did not breastfeed. This is significant news because, despite the perception that men are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, it remains the leading cause of death among American women, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To what extent does breastfeeding confer health benefits?
Before committing to the notion of breastfeeding for heart protection, you might wonder about the extent to which breastfeeding positively affects heart health. Fortunately, research suggests that even a modest amount of breastfeeding can contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease. However, women who breastfed for at least 12 months experienced the most significant benefits for their hearts.
Don’t be discouraged by the 12-month timeframe. Aim to breastfeed your baby as frequently as possible. As you do so, take solace in the fact that each moment spent breastfeeding strengthens the bond between you and your baby and fortifies your heart.
The remarkable power of breast milk
It’s astonishing that breast milk nourishes a child. Equally incredible is its potential to reduce a mother’s risk of heart disease. While this revelation is exciting, researchers are still unraveling the mystery behind why breastfeeding might reduce the risk of heart disease. In the meantime, they’re actively exploring various theories.
Several hypotheses have been proposed:
Breastfeeding may facilitate quicker postpartum weight loss. Since being overweight heightens the risk of heart disease, a prompt return to pre-pregnancy weight diminishes associated risk factors. Lactation involves numerous hormones, one of which may influence heart health. Oxytocin, for instance, reduces blood pressure, decreases fat mass, and offers other cardiovascular benefits. Regardless of the underlying cause, it’s evident that breastfeeding offers advantages that could reduce the need for heart and vascular care.
Assessing the benefits
A decade after breastfeeding, mothers continued to experience remarkable long-term benefits. Some of the most notable advantages included:
A 17% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease A 14% reduced risk of coronary heart disease A 12% reduced risk of stroke
In this study, factors such as women’s ages and life stages did not seem to affect the positive outcomes. Moreover, the benefits did not increase with additional children. Therefore, whether you have one child at a young age or multiple children later in life, as long as you give birth and breastfeed at least one baby, your heart stands to reap the rewards.
Breastfeeding extends beyond cardiovascular benefits
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It offers a range of additional advantages, including lowered risk of:
Breast cancer High blood pressure Ovarian cancer Type 2 diabetes
Furthermore, breastfeeding isn’t solely beneficial for mothers; it also enhances the health of the baby. By breastfeeding, you diminish your child’s likelihood of developing various health conditions, including:
Asthma Diarrhea or vomiting Ear infections Eczema Obesity Respiratory infections Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Type 2 diabetes
Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, safeguarding yourself against heart disease and stroke is paramount. Schedule an appointment with our Babynama team of experienced pediatricians within 15 minutes or emergency-consultation care provider or cardiologist to ensure your heart remains healthy for years to come.