Breastfeeding Benefits Extend Beyond the Baby

Mothers who breastfeed are not only making life better for their infants, but are also paving the way for a healthier life for themselves.

"Studies have shown women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of contracting premenopausal breast cancer," says Dr. Judy Hopkinson at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine. "A woman's risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis later in life may also be reduced."

Mothers who breastfeed also benefit from hormones released during breastfeeding.

"One of these hormones, oxytocin, helps a mother's uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state more quickly," says Dr. Hopkinson, a Baylor assistant professor of pediatrics. "Hormones also help mothers to relax and focus on their infants. Many women who breastfeed report feeling a special closeness with their babies."

While mothers benefit in many ways from breastfeeding, infants are the biggest beneficiaries.

"Breast-fed babies are less likely to develop allergies or serious illnesses, such as diarrhea, and bacterial meningitis, and one-third less likely to be re-admitted to the hospital in the first year of life," says Dr. Hopkinson. "Other studies suggest breastfeeding may prevent a child from contracting diseases such as diabetes and lym- phoma."

- From the Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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