Study Finds Breastfeeding Offers Long-Term Cardiac Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding, especially for women with gestational diabetes, is linked to reduced long-term risk of heart disease, according to a recent study. Learn how postpartum breastfeeding supports maternal heart health over decades.
Recent research conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine reveals that mothers who breastfeed, particularly those who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, tend to have a reduced risk of heart problems later in life. The study, published in utetrics & Gynecology , examined cardiovascular health over periods ranging from 10 to 30 years after childbirth.
The findings suggest that breastfeeding is associated with a lower incidence of serious heart conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, especially among women who faced complications like gestational diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 4,500 women participating in the international Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) follow-up study, with nearly 80% reporting that they breastfed their infants. The median age of participants was 30 years.
"Our study indicates that breastfeeding, particularly among women with gestational diabetes, plays a significant role in enhancing long-term heart health," said Dr. Christine Field, the study's lead author and an obstetrics and gynecology specialist. "These findings emphasize the importance of postpartum counseling on breastfeeding and its potential to promote maternal cardiovascular wellness."
Senior author Dr. Kartik Venkatesh highlighted the need for supportive programs to encourage breastfeeding, underscoring its lasting benefits. The research supports existing evidence that breastfeeding confers protective effects against future cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the value of maternal health initiatives.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-breastfeeding-heart-issues-life.html
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