Did you know that breastfeeding can help lower the risk of developing heart disease? February is American Heart Month, and breastfeeding is great for your heart!
American Heart Month was started in 1963 to encourage more research and treatment for heart disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, affecting about 1 in 5 women, or 300,000 women a year.
It is up for debate about what it is in the lactation process that causes the decreased risk for these issues, but the research does show that lactating makes a difference, and the longer you lactate, the better. The decreased risk stays with you for a lifetime! One theory is the amount of oxytocin that is released several times a day for an extended amount of time has a positive effect. Another hypothesis is that lactating women take care of themselves better overall by eating a healthier diet (protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables) and engaging in regular exercise (chasing after your little one!).
Results from studies show that inducing lactation can reduce the risk of heart disease complications by 14%, and reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 34%. It is important to note that there are no studies that suggest that women who choose not to breastfeed or induce lactation will have a higher risk of these diseases. But, breastfeeding can help with the overall reduction of the disease.
In addition to making sure you keep a healthy diet and engage in exercise regularly, breastfeeding or inducing lactation can help in lowering the risks factors that lead to heart disease. Women that breastfeed or induce lactation can also decrease their risks of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
If you are on the fence about breastfeeding or pumping, or are looking for a reason to keep going, this may be what gives you that extra boost.
So keep calm and lactate on…for your heart!
Dominique Gallo, IBCLC, RLC
Aryn
Aryn is a Certified Lactation Counselor on the Kiinde Lactation team. She is also a mother of two, writer, and maternal mental health advocate.
