Breastfeeding Moms Have Fewer Blood Pressure Problems, Study Shows

Moms who breastfeed their babies have been found to have lower incidence of high blood pressure problems, says a study of nurses. Lower risk of hypertension isn't the only advantage to moms, either. Health care experts urge parents to consider nursing benefits for children. Here are facts about breastfeeding and how it helps mother and baby.

Breastfeeding and blood pressure study

56,000 mothers were monitored in a 14-year research program called the Nurse's Health Study II. Over that period of time, 8,900 of the mothers studied developed problems with high blood pressure. Women who had breastfed at least one baby for six months were 22 percent less likely to suffer from hypertension. Women who never breastfed or did so for less than three months, were at a greater risk for high blood pressure.

Significance for parents

Researchers say that the findings don't definitively connect breastfeeding as the only cause for lower blood pressure, however in laboratory animals, those results have been duplicated. Nursing mammals produce oxytocin, which has been linked to improved circulatory health. Physicians also point to inadequate parent education, as sources of problems. They say also that many nursing mothers with high blood pressure, lacked breastfeeding support when they gave birth.

Other benefits for nursing mothers

Experts agree that breast milk is the best food for babies. Breast feeding is good for mothers, too. La Leche League International provides an exhaustive list of immediate and long-term health benefits to nursing mothers. The hormone oxytocin promotes a sense of well-being. It stimulates the uterus to heal faster. Breastfeeding mothers generally take off pregnancy weight faster and more efficiently. Breastfeeding helps mothers control blood sugar levels better, including those who had gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Type 1 diabetics that nurse typically require less insulin. Breastfeeding mothers have a lower rate of breast cancer. Breastfeeding maintains healthier levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol for mom, too. All these factors help reduce a nursing mother's risk of heart disease (the number one killer of women).

Recommendations for hospital birthing units and maternity centers

Physicians say hospitals should implement better breastfeeding support services for parents. The World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with UNICEF, outlines characteristics of a hospital that nurtures mother-child relationships in its BFHI (Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative).

Traits of a baby-friendly hospital

BFHI asks: Does the facility provide breastfeeding and La Leche support services? Does it have trained lactation consultants on staff? Can mother and baby enjoy 24-hour rooming-in? Is breast milk the only food nursing babies are fed or does the nursery staff use supplemental formula? Does the hospital avoid giving nursing babies pacifiers, which are known to inhibit the breastfeeding process? Are maternal stress reduced with birthing rooms, or are new mothers shunted about the hospital? Are babies allowed to remain with mothers immediately after birth? Does the hospital encourage doulas (birthing advocates)? Does the hospital recognize and cooperate with maternal birth plans?

These considerations can help make the breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding decision easier.