If you're looking for another good reason to breastfeed, add heart health to the extensive list of benefits.
During pregnancy, a woman's HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol usually drops. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is the good, healthy cholesterol. It picks up and carries excess cholesterol from artery walls and brings it back to the liver for processing and removal. You want this number to be high-at least 60 mg/dL-to protect your heart. Levels too low (less than 40 mg/dL) are bad for your health, increasing your risk for heart disease.
It is well known that pregnancy can change the cholesterol levels of moms-to-be. However, a March 2007 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, reported that breastfeeding can offset this drop in the HDL, particularly for women who breastfeed for a longer duration.
The researchers studied 1,051 women for three years. Of those women, 109 got pregnant and gave birth. Of those mothers, 61 breastfed their infants, while 48 did not. Those who breastfed for less than three months-or not at all-experienced a decrease in their HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels, which increased their heart disease risk from 14 percent to 21 percent. The drop in HDL levels of women who nursed their babies longer was significantly lower and therefore heart-healthier.
BabyFit Tip:
Research has long supported the fact that breastfeeding is good for babies and for moms! Follow the breastfeeding guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which recommends exclusive breastfeeding during your baby's first six months of life-without additional formula, juice or water. Once other foods and beverages are introduced after six months, breastfeeding should continue for at least the first year of life or longer.
