THE breast-feeding It is a practice of recognized importance for the good development and health of the baby. During the first six months of life, the breast milk It is the only food needed to keep your child's body functioning in perfect condition, yet preventing such common cramps and strengthening their immune system. In addition to the physiological benefits, breastfeeding helps to establish a good relationship between mother and child, as it is a time of closeness and intimacy.
Recent studies conducted on a sample of 740,000 women in the United Kingdom address the importance of breastfeeding for mother's health. The research, published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that volunteers who had more children had a higher body mass index (BMI) between pregnancies. On the other hand, women who reported breastfeeding their children had a significantly lower BMI than those who did not breastfeed.
Previous studies have found that breastfeeding can contribute to the prevention of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It has also been known for some time that breastfeeding is a good way to lose in the months following birth. of the baby, the pounds gained during the gestation period.
According to the doctors who conducted the research, BMI was about 1% lower for every six months the volunteer had spent breastfeeding. The decrease may seem small, but it has a major impact on many aspects of long-term female health, as obesity is a major cause of heart and digestive system problems.
The research used data from the project known as? Study of a Million Women ?, which has been monitoring for some decades reproductive and quality of life aspects that influence women's health. According to Professor Valerie Beral, one of the study leaders and director of the University of Oxford Cancer Epidemiology Unit, if the researchers' calculated 1% rate is applied to the total population of the UK - that could mean 10,000 fewer premature deaths. every decade?
What is most surprising about the results is that the surveys were conducted with women who had given birth more than 30 years ago. The average age of the participants was 57.5 years. Their heights, weights, history of pregnancies and births, among other factors of relevance to the theme were considered. Even so long after breastfeeding, its effects on women's health and well-being remained noticeable.
How can I lose weight while breastfeeding without affecting my milk supply? (April 2024)
- Breastfeeding, Babies, Fitness, Weight Loss
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