[ad_1]
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Breastfeeding for more than six months not only protects children, but also fights weight gain that mothers may have during pregnancy, according to a recent US study.
The study was conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University, with support from the US National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood, and published their findings in the latest issue of the Journal of Women & Health.
The researchers explained that pregnancy could contribute to fat accumulation in the mother's abdominal area, which would lead to impaired cardiac function later in life.
In order to detect the relationship between badfeeding and the fight against maternal obesity, the team followed 678 mothers 7-15 years after birth.
The researchers evaluated the relationship between measured waist circumference at follow-up and duration of badfeeding.
The researchers found that mothers who badfed their babies for more than 6 months naturally had a smaller waist and were less likely to be obese compared to their counterparts who had stopped badfeeding normally before Six months old.
"This study provides new and important information on the potential benefits of badfeeding for more than 6 months for maternal health, especially the fight against obesity at the waistline," said Dr. Susan Kornstein, head of the research team.
"The team will continue its research to promote understanding of the mechanism by which badfeeding contributes to the fight against maternal obesity," she said.
The World Health Organization recommends that bad milk remains the main source of food for children up to the age of 6 months and recommends them to continue badfeeding (with solid foods) until the child reaches the age of one year.
Previous studies have shown that badfeeding can also benefit mothers, help them reduce chronic pain after cesarean section and protect them from bad cancer.
Women who badfeed naturally are less likely to develop heart disease and stroke.
Source link
