Maternal
and Child Health
Coalition of Greater
Press Release
Contact: Cesar Motts FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
816.283-6242 Ext. 249 December 8, 2005
New Study Reveals Breastfeeding May Prevent Diabetes
in Mothers
Study
Validates Message that "Babies Were Born to Be Breastfed"
Kansas City, MO- According to
a recent study found in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the
longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of developing diabetes. The
study, which involved 157,000 nurses who participated in two long-running
health studies and were followed for at least 12 years, found that
breastfeeding may change a mother’s metabolism. These changes may help keep
blood sugar levels stable.
The study, which notes
diabetes as the sixth-leading cause of death, found that women who breastfed
for at least one year were about 15 percent less likely to develop type 2
diabetes than those who never breastfed. For each additional year of
breastfeeding, there was an additional 15 percent decreased risk.
“The
benefits of breastfeeding to infants and children, such as reduced chances for
ear infections, obesity, respiratory illness, diarrhea and diabetes, have been
known for many years. It has been
demonstrated by research and reported in the literature. This new study, reported in a referred
journal, includes encouraging data demonstrating that protection against
diabetes can be added to the growing list of health benefits for the
breastfeeding mother, as well. The list
of benefits to the mother now includes reduced risk of osteoporosis, rheumatoid
arthritis, and breast and ovarian cancer, in addition to the reduced risk of
diabetes,” said Mary Grace Lanese, the immediate past chair of the
Coalition and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Maternal and Child Health
Coalition is one of fifteen community-based demonstration projects working to
spread the word about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and
child and supports the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign message that Babies Were Born to be Breastfed. To learn more about the National Breastfeeding
Awareness Campaign, visit www.WomensHealth.gov
Maternal and
Child Health Coalition promotes the health of mothers and children through
community planning, education, advocacy and collaboration with organizations
addressing infant mortality, immunization, childhood obesity, maternal health
and child safety. For more information about this
press release, please contact Cesar Motts at Maternal and Child Health
Coalition, 6400 Prospect,
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