Maternal Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides substantial maternal health benefits, most notably a 19% reduction in breast cancer risk, 30% reduction in ovarian cancer risk, and 32% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk, with these benefits increasing with longer duration of breastfeeding. 1
Cancer Risk Reduction
Breast cancer protection is one of the most significant maternal benefits, with breastfeeding reducing risk by 19% (OR 0.81,95% CI 0.77-0.86). 1 This protective effect is dose-dependent, meaning longer breastfeeding duration provides greater protection. 2
Ovarian cancer risk is reduced by 30% (OR 0.70,95% CI 0.64-0.75) in women who breastfeed. 1 The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines specifically highlight this substantial protective effect. 1
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits
Type 2 diabetes risk decreases by 32% (OR 0.68,95% CI 0.57-0.82) in breastfeeding mothers, with particularly strong benefits for women with a history of gestational diabetes. 1, 3 The American Diabetes Association emphasizes this metabolic advantage as a key reason to support all mothers in breastfeeding attempts. 3
Breastfeeding reduces maternal risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 4, 5 The metabolic changes during lactation are generally favorable for long-term cardiovascular health, including potential improvements in cholesterol metabolism. 3 While breastfed infants have higher cholesterol at 1 year, this early exposure may paradoxically lead to lower adult cholesterol levels, and mothers themselves experience overall metabolic improvements. 3
Additional Maternal Health Benefits
Breastfeeding improves birth spacing naturally, providing a contraceptive effect during exclusive breastfeeding. 6
Postpartum depression risk is decreased in breastfeeding mothers. 4
Hyperlipidemia rates are reduced in women who breastfeed. 5
Duration-Dependent Benefits
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond, which maximizes maternal health benefits. 1, 2 Breastfeeding longer than 12 months specifically decreases maternal type 2 diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer rates. 2
These benefits are cumulative—longer breastfeeding duration provides greater protection against chronic diseases. 6, 2
Clinical Implementation Considerations
Healthcare providers must directly communicate that breastfeeding is a medical and health priority and provide nonjudgmental support, especially for mothers who wish to breastfeed beyond 12 months. 2 Mothers who breastfeed beyond the first year often report feeling ridiculed or alienated, and healthcare providers failing to support them can lead to premature cessation. 2
Women with pre-existing dyslipidemia or diabetes should continue appropriate monitoring during lactation, though the metabolic changes of lactation are generally favorable for long-term cardiovascular health. 3
Full-time employment is consistently associated with shorter breastfeeding periods, and breastfeeding rates decline rapidly between 2-3 months in the U.S. when mothers return to work. 6, 2 Workplace policies and public support structures significantly impact breastfeeding duration and therefore maternal health outcomes. 6, 2
Societal and Economic Impact
The positive health effects on mothers (and infants) lead to relevant societal economic impacts through reduced healthcare costs and improved population health. 6