Breastfeeding Good For Women Cardiovascular Health

This is a good news for breastfeeding women because University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that moms who breastfeed can reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, published May 2009 in Obstetrics & Gynecology, shows that breastfeeding women are promoting their own cardiovascular health for years to come.

Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh says the news that breastfeeding promotes heart health, and reduces stroke risk is noteworthy for women. "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.”

Women who breastfed for one year had a ten percent lower incidence of complications that lead to stroke and heart attack, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Breastfeeding for just one month lowered the risk of heart disease among the moms studied.