Two recent studies show that breastfeeding has positive effects for mothers, too.
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Mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies had a 54 percent lower risk of developing diabetes compared to mothers who only used formula. The researchers did a follow-up two years after and discovered that 12 percent of the candidates developed type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding for more than 10 months was linked to the mother’s reduced risk of diabetes by 57 percent compared to breastfeeding two months or less.
Erica Gunderson and a group of researchers from Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif. discovered that expectant women who had gestational diabetes mellitus were half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they breastfeed for at least two months or more.
The study, titled Study of Women, Infant Feeding and Type 2 Diabetes after GDM Pregnancy, (SWIFT) also evaluated other risk factors, including social, behavioral and prenatal risks that could influence the development of type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Gunderson: now only 40 percent of US women report exclusively breastfeeding at three months, and by six months, only 50 percent are breastfeeding at all. An estimated 75 percent of the cohort was identified as Hispanic, Asian, or black.
The researchers conducted in-person exams, which included glucose-tolerance tests at 6 to 9 weeks post-delivery to establish baseline readings. Our findings support the greater allocation of healthcare resources to promote and support exclusive and extended breastfeeding among women at high risk for progression to diabetes in midlife. All of the participants were diagnosed with gestational diabetes from 2008 to 2011.
The authors of the study explained how the metabolism and insulin sensitivity are both improved, that will possibly reduce the risk of diabetes, during lactation. Women who exclusively formula-fed their babies were roughly twice as likely to develop diabetes. The association between breastfeeding intensity and duration with lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes remained after accounting for these variables.
“These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing breastfeeding education and support for women with gestational diabetes as part of early diabetes prevention efforts by health care systems”, Gunderson said.
Gunderson noted that study results held even after taking into account a wide range of factors, including maternal and newborn health, lifestyle behaviors, and changes in the mother’s postpartum weight.
A pair of new studies-focusing on cancer and diabetes-add to the consistently growing body of clinical evidence which suggests that breast-feeding is not only best for baby but also for the mother.
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Primary funding for the study was the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01 HD050625, Dr. Gunderson).
