Breastfeeding is often talked about for its benefits to babies — but research also shows breastfeeding may provide important long-term health benefits for mothers too.
From hormone regulation and postpartum recovery to potential reductions in certain disease risks, breastfeeding supports more than nourishment alone.
Breastfeeding May Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Research suggests breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.
A large meta-analysis found that for every 12 months of breastfeeding, breast cancer risk may decrease by approximately 4.3%.
Scientists believe this may be linked to:
- reduced lifetime estrogen exposure
- hormonal changes during lactation
- breast tissue changes after breastfeeding
Breastfeeding & Ovarian Cancer Risk
Studies also suggest breastfeeding may help lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding temporarily suppresses ovulation, which researchers believe may reduce repetitive ovarian cell damage over time.
Some studies have found that breastfeeding for 6 months or longer may significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk.
Breastfeeding May Support Metabolic Health
For women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, breastfeeding may provide additional long-term metabolic benefits.
Research suggests mums who breastfeed for longer durations may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Scientists believe breastfeeding may help improve:
- insulin sensitivity
- glucose metabolism
- postpartum metabolic recovery
Breastfeeding & Heart Health
Emerging research also suggests breastfeeding may support cardiovascular health in mothers.
Longer breastfeeding durations have been associated with:
- lower cardiovascular disease risk
- improved cholesterol levels
- reduced visceral fat accumulation
- improved blood pressure markers
Breastfeeding Burns Extra Energy
Producing breast milk requires energy.
On average, breastfeeding mothers may burn approximately 400–500 additional calories per day to support milk production.
This increased energy demand is one reason some women notice gradual postpartum weight changes while breastfeeding.
However, every postpartum body is different, and recovery should always be approached gently and realistically.
Breastfeeding Supports More Than Baby
Breastfeeding is not only a way to nourish babies — it also creates significant hormonal and physiological changes within a mother’s body.
While every journey looks different, breastfeeding may support:
- postpartum recovery
- maternal bonding
- hormonal regulation
- metabolic health
- long-term maternal wellbeing
And importantly, every amount of breastfeeding matters ❤️
Sources & References
NIH. “Maternal Health Benefits of Breastfeeding.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3508512/
American Cancer Society. “Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer Risk.”
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/breastfeeding-and-cancer-risk.html
Diabetes Care. “Lactation and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Women with Prior Gestational Diabetes.”
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/38/1/16/37503/Lactation-and-Incidence-of-Type-2-Diabetes
Journal of Women’s Health. “Breastfeeding and Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Factors.”
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jwh.2018.7270
NCBI. “Long-Term Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52687/
World Health Organization. “Breastfeeding.”
https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
CDC. “Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers.”
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html
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