Photo courtesy of Nicolas Raymond

1. Heart health for breastfeeding mothers. A study of 140,000 post-menopausal women revealed several heart health benefits of breastfeeding. Women who breastfed their babies had lower incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Women who breastfed for seven months or more were significantly less likely to develop heart disease. Women who breastfed for a cumulative 12 months or more in their lifetimes had a 10% lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease later in life.

2. Lower risk of breast cancer for women with family history. The New York Times reported on a new study that found that “for women with an immediate relative, like a mother or a sister, who had breast cancer, those who breast-fed had a 59 percent lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer. That is closer in line with the risk for women who had no disease in the family.” The discovery was made by Dr. Alison M. Stuebe of University of North Carolina. The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog features a podcast with Dr. Stuebe on the problem with formula company diaper bags.

3. Stem cells in breast milk. Scientists have discovered three different types of stem cells in breast milk. Researcher Dr. Mark Cregan believes the stems cells help each child “fulfill its genetic destiny” as the mother’s breasts take over from the placenta in guiding the infant’s development. This discovery not only highlights the fact that artificial milk is a poor substitute for breast milk, but also opens the door to research on causes of low milk production and drugs that could improve milk supply.

4. Breastfeeding helps prevent multiple sclerosis relapse. A study showed that women who breastfed exclusively for at least two months after giving birth were far less likely to experience a relapse of multiple sclerosis than women who did not breastfeed or started supplemental feedings with artificial milk.

5. Breastfeeding benefits for both baby and mother. In November the American Dietetic Association released an updated position paper promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The paper listed the breastfeeding benefits for babies as:

* Enhanced immune system
* Reduced risk for nonspecific gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections and asthma
* Protection against allergies and intolerances
* Promotion of correct development of jaw and teeth
* Association with higher intelligence quotient and school performance through adolescence
* Reduced risk for chronic disease such as obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and childhood leukemia
* Reduced risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

The paper also listed the breastfeeding benefits for mothers:

* Strong bonding with infant
* Increased calorie expenditure, which may lead to faster return to pre-pregnancy weight
* Faster shrinking of the uterus
* Reduced postpartum bleeding and delays in the menstrual cycle
* Decreased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer
* Improved bone density and decreased risk for hip fracture
* Decreased risk for postpartum depression
* Enhanced self-esteem in the maternal role
* Time saved from preparing and mixing formula
* Money saved from not buying formula and increased medical expenses associated with formula feeding.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Submit your thoughts on breastfeeding goals and resolutions! Email me your submission by January 12, 2009, for consideration for the carnival on January 20, 2009. As a reminder, here are the guidelines that will increase the chances a post will be selected for inclusion in the carnival:

– A well-written, grammatically correct post
– Thoughtful commentary directly on point for the carnival subject
– Overall quality of the rest of your blog and whether the general subject matter is something of interest to our readers (breastfeeding, parenting)

If your post is selected for inclusion, you will be asked on the day of the carnival to edit your post to link back to each of the other participants in the carnival.

Image of 2009 ball by graphic designer Billy Alexander

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

~ Check out the 12 full-color pictures from the IBFAN Breastfeeding Calendar 2009. The calendar is available from Baby Milk Action for £7, £6 if ordering 10 or more. Add £2 per calendar for shipping and handling outside the United Kingdom (although you might be able to order a calendar from your national International Baby Food Action Netork group). The 2008 Calendar is also available for £3.

~ The 2009 Australian Breastfeeding Association Calendar features 16 breastfeeding pictures selected from thousands of submissions. It sells for AUD $15 plus postage.

~ The 2009 Mothering magazine calendar features a variety of photos and includes resources on breastfeeding and other helpful topics. It sells for U.S. $18.95.

~ You can watch the slideshow of the breastfeeding images from the 2009 Sonoma County Breastfeeding Calendar. The calendar is due out in November.

~ The New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force held a contest for pictures for its 2009 Breastfeeding Calendar. Watch the task force home page for announcement of the 2009 release. The 2008 version is still for sale.

See this link for the 2010 calendars and breastfeeding pictures!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3