Lactation helps reduce risk of maternal postpartum diabetes: Other benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has also been linked to a reduced risk of several other diseases. Here are some other reasons why you should breastfeed your baby.

By: Longjam Dineshwori | | Published: April 30, 2020 9:16 pm

Tags: benefits of breastfeeding Diabetes risk

Women who breastfeed for longer periods of time are less likely to suffer from hypertension. © Shutterstock.

Gynecologists strongly recommend mothers to breastfeed their babies at least 1 year as breast milk is the best food for the infants. Breastfeeding is also proven to beneficial for mothers in many ways. Here’s another reason why you should breastfeed your baby. A new study has revealed that lactation can lower the incidence and reduce the risk of maternal postpartum diabetes. Also Read - How Often Should One Engage In A Routine Health Checkup?

The study by a team of South Korean researchers found that lactation increases the mass and function of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells through serotonin production. Serotonin act as an antioxidant and reduce oxidative stress, making mothers’ beta cells healthier. The chemical also induces the proliferation of beta cells, thereby increasing the beta cell mass and helping maintain proper glucose levels. This is how breastfeeding help reduce the risk of postpartum diabetes in women. Surprisingly, the researchers found that this beneficial effect was maintained after the cessation of lactation, for more than three years after delivery. Also Read - Cardiovascular diseases patients more likely to have diabetes, at higher risk of mortality

Now, the researchers are hoping that their finding could lead to new therapeutics to help prevent mothers from developing metabolic disorders. Also Read - Can COVID-19 give you diabetes? Here’s what doctors want you to know

RISK FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DIABETES

Weight gain and increased insulin resistance during pregnancy, a history of gestational diabetes, maternal age, obesity – all of this can increase a woman’s risk of progressing to diabetes after delivery. The risk of postpartum diabetes increases more in women who have had gestational diabetes and/or repeated deliveries. Diabetes can lead to complications including damage to blood vessels, which can in turn cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Earlier studies have reported that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum diabetes, but the mechanisms underlying this benefit have remained elusive.

BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS FOR MOTHERS

Mothers who breastfeed their children for more than one year may have reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding has also been linked to a reduced risk of several other diseases.

Reduces Risk Of Hypertension

A study in the American Journal of Hypertension revealed that women who breastfeed more children and for longer periods of time are less likely to suffer from hypertension after they reach menopause.

Helps You Avoid Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic and incurable gynecologic disorder that may cause chronic pelvic pain, painful periods and pain during intercourse. A study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who breastfed for longer periods had a significantly lower risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Breastfeeding may have long-term heart health benefits for mothers. A study by researchers from University of Pittsburgh observed that women who breastfed their babies for at least six months following birth had better markers of cardiovascular health years later. However, women with high blood pressure during pregnancy did not show the same benefits.

Protects against stroke

A study by the American Heart Association found stroke risk among women who breastfed their babies was on average 23 per cent lower in all women. It was 19 per cent lower in women who had breastfed for up to six months. A longer reported length of breastfeeding was associated with a greater reduction in risk.

Lowers Risk Of Depression

Postpartum depression affects up to 15 per cent of mothers. But if you breastfeed your baby, you will be less likely to develop postpartum depression. But usually, mothers with early postpartum depression may not be keen on breastfeeding their children or they may wean early.

Published : April 30, 2020 9:16 pm

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