Every year brings more and more studies showing the power of breastfeeding to protect infant and maternal health, and 2009 is no exception. Below is a summary of some of the more publicized research. You can read my summaries of 2006, 2007, and 2008, too.
Child health:
- Infants who are breastfed are less likely to be abused
- Breastfeeding protects infants against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Breastfeeding is associated with higher academic achievement
- Breastfeeding reduces risk of childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome in children
- Breastfeeding is effective in providing pain relief in newborns
Maternal health:
- Mothers who breastfeed, and particularly those who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, have a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome
- Breastfeeding provides protection against premenopausal breast cancer for women with a family history
- Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of coronary disease
- Mothers with multiple sclerosis have a lower risk of relapse within a year after their babies' births if they breastfeed
- Women who breastfed were less likely when they were older to have developed high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
Other studies of interest:
- Using antiretroviral drugs during breastfeeding is now recommended for mothers with HIV
- There are several types of stem cells in breastmilk
- Nipple piercings may impact breastfeeding after all
- Weaning to start multiple sclerosis medications may actually increase the risk of relapse
- Environmental toxins in breastmilk not shown to have an impact on infants. A study also found perchlorate in infant formula
- Maternal smoking is associated with lower rates of breastfeeding initiation, and earlier weaning
