|
Page 3 of 3 Long-term Benefits
Patients with the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis were almost 20 percent less likely than disease-free people to have been breastfed for a long period, says a recent study. Other research suggests that women who were breastfed as babies may have an almost 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer, and that breastfeeding may impart lower risk for type I (juvenile) diabetes, lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph system) and Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowed disease). Patients with the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis were almost 20 percent less likely than disease-free people to have been breastfed for a long period, says a recent study. Other research suggests that women who were breastfed as babies may have an almost 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer, and that breastfeeding may impart lower risk for type I (juvenile) diabetes, lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph system) and Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowed disease). No one knows why mother's milk seems to confer this protection. It may be that breast milk enhances immune system development or that early exposure to certain elements in cow's milk, the basis for most formulas, plants a "trigger" for autoimmune malfunction later in life. To be on the safe side, the AAP encourages families with a history of type I diabetes to breastfeed exclusively during the first year of life. Benefits for Moms, TOO
Nursing appears to reduce mothers' risk of getting breast cancer before menopause by about 22 percent, according to a recent study. Other evidence suggests that the longer women nurse and the younger they begin, the lover their risk of breast cancer. Nursing also may protect against osteoporosis and hip fracture in later life. In three studies of bone mass in elderly women, those who had breastfed had higher bone-mineral densities than those who hadn't. As a more immediate benefit, nursing may promote postpartum weight loss.There's no doubt that breastfeeding offers health advantage to Baby and Mom, but the best aspect of breastfeeding may never be studied: How could science measure the peace and contentment a woman feels while nursing her warm, soft and sweet smelling baby?
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>
|
