Cardiovascular diseases—including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke—are currently the leading cause of death worldwide. According to recent data, these conditions rank first in global mortality rates. Although men generally face a higher risk of heart disease at a younger age, the risk becomes nearly equal between men and women later in life.
Interestingly, heart attack symptoms in women are often atypical, making them more difficult to recognise and diagnose by healthcare professionals.
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. For this reason, women require special attention when it comes to heart disease prevention. One encouraging finding in women’s heart health prevention is the benefit of breastfeeding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for a Mother’s Heart Health
Recent studies show that mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life compared to those who do not breastfeed.
A large meta-analysis conducted by Tschiderer et al. (2022) involving more than one million mothers found that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced lifetime risk of heart disease.
Compared to mothers who never breastfed, those who breastfed experienced:
- 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease
- 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease within 10 years
- 12% lower risk of stroke
- 17% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Breastfeeding Duration and Heart Disease Risk
The cardiovascular benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to long-term breastfeeding alone. Even short periods of breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, research indicates that the most significant risk reduction occurs in mothers who breastfeed for a total duration of 12 months.
For mothers who are unable to breastfeed for 12 months, there is no need to worry. Providing breast milk for at least the first 6 months, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), already offers meaningful protection for maternal heart health.
Why Does Breastfeeding Protect the Heart?
Several factors may explain why breastfeeding provides cardiovascular protection:
- Faster postpartum weight loss
Breastfeeding helps mothers lose pregnancy weight more quickly. Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential, as excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease. - Oxytocin hormone release
During breastfeeding, the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps blood vessels become more flexible. Oxytocin also lowers blood pressure, reduces body fat, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additional Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies
Breastfeeding offers benefits beyond heart disease prevention. Studies show that breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of:
- Breast cancer
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
For babies, breastfeeding provides protection against various health conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Diarrhoea
- Ear infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Eczema
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Other Ways to Prevent Heart Disease for Mothers Who Do Not Breastfeed
For mothers who are unable to breastfeed, there are many other effective ways to maintain heart health.
Regular physical activity—such as walking for at least 30 minutes a day—can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources such as fish and skinless chicken plays a crucial role in heart disease prevention.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding not only benefits babies but also provides long-term protection for a mother’s heart health. By breastfeeding, mothers can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke.
For mothers who cannot breastfeed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and balanced nutrition remains the best strategy to protect heart health.
