Breastfeeding decreases risk of cardiovascular issues in women, study finds

08 Aug 2023 --- An Australian study has found that mothers who breastfeed for at least six months have a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular problems for a minimum of three years after giving birth, as they had lower blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) for the mentioned period. The results were mainly observed in women who had complicated pregnancies.

For women experiencing a complicated pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, the findings are of heightened importance, as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is higher for this group. Additionally, for children of complicated pregnancies, there is an increased risk of metabolic risk factors.

“That means that breastfeeding improves women’s cardiometabolic risk factors, which is good news for new mothers who might be at risk of developing future cardiovascular and metabolic diseases,” says Claire Roberts, professor at Flinders College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, South Australia.

“Pregnancy complications are associated with later cardiovascular disease risk and their children are also at risk of impaired metabolic health earlier in life. Along with neurological and other health benefits for babies.” 

The findings indicate an overall improvement in cardiovascular health, argues the study authors.Female and infant health
Dr. Maleesa Pathirana, co-author of the study and an adjunct associate lecturer and early career postdoctoral fellow at The University of Adelaide and Robinson Research Institute, explains that women who breastfed for at least six months had significantly lower BMI, lower blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and lower central blood pressure than those who did not breastfeed.

“We found that if women with at least one major pregnancy complication – like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes – breastfed for at least six months, they had significantly lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol profile and lower insulin compared to those who did not breastfeed for at least six months.”

“These findings indicate an overall improvement in cardiovascular health,” argues Pathirana.

The study has been published in the International Breastfeeding Journal.

According to recommendations from the WHO, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life promotes a significant reduction in several health issues for infants and mothers. 

“Misconceptions about breastfeeding can lead to problems for both the mother and the infant as it gives false information to mothers who might choose not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding can provide children with a vital food source, immunity from various diseases, a boost to the child’s mental development and protection from diseases later in life,” Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera, head of nutrition at Action Against Hunger UK, recently told Nutrition Insight.

We also previously sat down with scientists who stressed the need to recognize breastfeeding as unpaid labor. They argued that if the six months recommended by the WHO is to be achieved, changes in the workspace need to occur, such as a minimum of six months of paid maternity leave on a global scale. 

Moreover, recent findings from a Canadian study showed how breastfeeding may be more influential on the infant microbiome than vaginal birth.

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander