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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Breastfeeding for more than 6 months not only protects children, but also fights the weight gain that mothers can 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 breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding.
The researchers found that mothers who breastfed 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 breastfeeding normally before Six months old.
"This study provides new and important information on the potential benefits of breastfeeding for more than 6 months for maternal health, especially the fight against obesity at the waist," said Dr. Susan Kornstein, head of the research team.
"The team will continue its research to promote understanding of the mechanism by which breastfeeding contributes to the fight against maternal obesity," she said.
The WHO recommends that breast milk remains the main source of food for children up to the age of 6 months and recommends continuing breastfeeding (with solid foods) up to 6 months. The child reaches the age of one year.
Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding can also benefit mothers, help them reduce chronic pain after cesarean section and protect them from breast cancer.
Women who breastfeed naturally are less likely to develop heart disease and stroke.
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