Breastfeeding protects mothers against stroke and heart attacks

The study, carried out by experts at the University of Pittsburgh in the US, found that women who had breastfed their babies for more than a year were 10% less likely to suffer heart attacks, stroke or heart disease in later life than women who had never breastfed.

But even breastfeeding for at least a month could help reduce the chances of women developing conditions linked to heart disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The study was carried out on 139,681 women who had passed through the menopause, and on average 35 years had passed since the women had last breastfed, suggesting that the benefits of breastfeeding last many years.

Author Dr Eleanor Bimla Schwarz said: ‘Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, so it’s vitally important for us to know what we can do to protect ourselves.

‘We have known for years that breastfeeding is important for babies’ health; we now know that it is important for mothers’ health as well.

‘The longer a mother nurses her baby, the better for both of them.’

The research was published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.