Lactation increases energy expenditure, promotes post-partum weight loss and improves glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism. It may also have long-term beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. Now data from the US Women’s Health Initiative study have linked prolonged breastfeeding with lower postmenopausal cardiovascular risk.
Data were analysed from 139,681 postmenopausal women (median age, 63 years) who had had at least one live birth. A lifetime history of >12 months of lactation was associated with significant reductions of 12% in hypertension, 20% in diabetes, 19% in hyperlipidaemia and 9% in cardiovascular disease (CVD). There was no reduction in the prevalence of obesity. Over an average of 8 years of follow-up, there was a significant 28% reduction in incidence of CVD among women who had had a single live birth and breastfed for 7–12 months compared with similar women who did not breastfeed.
Prolonged breastfeeding may protect against later CVD.
Schwarz EB, et al. Duration of lactation and risk factors for maternal cardiovascular disease. Obstet Gynecol 2009;113:974–982.
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