How Breastfeeding Can Heal Mothers
Breastfeeding isn’t just for baby—it’s a health boost for moms too! It cuts breast cancer risk by 4% per year of nursing, slashes ovarian cancer odds by 30%, drops type 2 diabetes risk by 32% in moms with gestational diabetes, burns 500 calories/day!
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Breast Cancer Reduction: Each year of breastfeeding reduces a mom’s breast cancer risk by 4.3%, and women who nurse for over 12 months lifetime see a 28% lower risk, per a meta-analysis of 47 studies.
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Ovarian Cancer Drop: Breastfeeding for at least 6 months cuts ovarian cancer risk by 30%, likely due to suppressed ovulation reducing cell damage, according to epidemiological data.
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Diabetes Prevention: Moms with gestational diabetes who breastfeed for 6+ months have a 32% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, tied to improved insulin sensitivity.
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Heart Health Boost: Nursing for over a year lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 10-15%, thanks to reduced visceral fat and better cholesterol profiles, as seen in long-term cohort studies.
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Caloric Burn: Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories daily—equivalent to an hour of jogging—helping moms shed pregnancy weight faster, per metabolic research.
References
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NIH - Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding - Comprehensive review of health outcomes for moms.
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American Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Risk - Data on cancer risk reduction.
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Diabetes Care - Gestational Diabetes Study - Evidence on type 2 diabetes prevention.
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Journal of Women’s Health - Cardiovascular Benefits - Study on heart health perks.