
August 19, 2024
National Breastfeeding Month
Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Health: A Review
By: Lauren Hecht, DO
Director’s Note: August is National Breastfeeding Month, and today we feature the summary of an article written by Miriam Labbok in 2001, titled, “Effects of Breastfeeding on the Mother.” [1] During the FACTS elective, Lauren Hecht chose to summarize this foundational article to learn more about the effects of breastfeeding on the mother, educate her patients more effectively, and enable them to make the best choice for their child and family. At FACTS, our goal is to promote authentic women’s health at every stage of their reproductive life. From charting the female cycle to breastfeeding education, we strive to equip future medical professionals with valuable information to support women seeking to optimize their hormonal and overall health. As we prepare to welcome another 200+ students this academic year, we hope to raise $20,000 to support our efforts so we don’t have to raise our elective registration fees. Your $100 gift today will grant one more student the gift of knowledge and equip him or her to approach women’s health through a more restorative approach! If you make it a monthly gift, your donation will help us educate a dozen more students. Thank you!
Introduction
Those interested in caring for children often discuss the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for the infant, but we may not talk as much about all the benefits breastfeeding can have for the mother. The article [1] summarized below provides information on some of the significant advantages that can make breastfeeding such a healthy and positive choice for the mother, child, and family.
Maternal benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is more than a method of infant nutrition; it fosters an early bond between mother and child, and is also a shared experience between women worldwide that benefits both mom and baby. Breastfeeding initiates a cascade of hormonal processes that help the mother adjust to motherhood, conserve energy, and recover nutrients. Yet, what is truly incredible is how it also appears to be a preventive health measure for women. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum blood loss, premenopausal breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. [1]
“Breastfeeding is more than a method of infant nutrition; it fosters an early bond between mother and child, and is also a shared experience between women worldwide that benefits both mom and baby.”
Premenopausal breast cancer
Some studies have fueled debate over whether breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. While some large studies conclude no association exists between breastfeeding and postmenopausal breast cancer, research demonstrates a clear and consistent protective effect against premenopausal breast cancer. Labbok noted more studies were needed to explore biological aspects and address exposure to contaminants as well as maturation of the end-organ. [1] A review published in 2023 reports that, among other proven benefits, lactation induces differentiation and maturation of breast tissue, making it more resistant to cancer development. [2]
Ovarian cancer
Regarding ovarian cancer, breastfeeding has been shown to be a potential preventive measure. As of the article’s publication in 2001, studies consistently showed breastfeeding decreases ovarian cancer risk, specifically breastfeeding during the first 2-7 months postpartum. However, the dose-response phenomenon was inconsistent in studies conducted up to that point. [3]
“Research demonstrates (breastfeeding has) a clear and consistent protective effect against premenopausal breast cancer… (It also) decreases ovarian cancer risk.”
Bone health
Despite concerns about bone loss during lactation, retrospective studies suggest women who breastfeed may have reduced risk of spinal and hip fractures after menopause. This suggests breastfeeding has short-term negative effects, but long-term positive effects on bone health. More studies are needed to gain better understanding in the area of bone health. [1]
Emotional and mental health
The potential benefits of breastfeeding on mental health and bonding had not been well researched by the time of Labbok’s article. However, the author hypothesized hormonal shifts associated with breastfeeding may play a major role in mental wellbeing and empowerment. [1] A systematic review published in 2022 found that breastfeeding was associated with fewer symptoms of postpartum depression and/or anxiety. [4]
Fertility
The impact of breastfeeding on fertility was also discussed by Labbok. Breastfeeding is associated with increased child spacing, contributing to lactational amenorrhea. The FACTS elective educates medical and health professional students on all the modern, evidence-based fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), including the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). Studies show LAM is an effective postpartum family planning method if three criteria are followed: (1) fully to nearly fully breastfeeding, (2) no return of menses, and (3) infant less than 6 months of age. [5]
Discussion
Published in 2001, Labbok’s article examined the limited research available at that time. In the past, some controversy surrounded breastfeeding research, arising from questions about study design, analysis, and the impact of personal convictions. Other contributors to disparities in study outcomes included different definitions of breastfeeding and varying sampling methods. It is encouraging to know that research on maternal benefits of breastfeeding is ongoing and continues to address these barriers.
All mothers should know about the potential health benefits of breastfeeding to help them make an informed decision. Also, as lactation demands maternal nutrient stores, it is crucial for women of reproductive age to maintain adequate micronutrient levels to prepare. Although most women are able to breastfeed with support from their loved ones and medical teams, not all mothers are able to breastfeed. Whatever the reason, we must always be sensitive to the challenges mothers may be facing and provide support for them and their child.
“All mothers should know about the potential health benefits of breastfeeding to help them make an informed decision.”
Breastfeeding is a natural but complex process with multiple benefits to both infant and mother. It is important to continue to explore and understand this topic to provide accurate information on this powerful health tool for women, children, and their families. Not surprisingly, recent reviews continue to show the many benefits of breastfeeding for mothers. [6]
[1] Labbok MH. Effects of breastfeeding on the mother. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2001 Feb;48(1):143-58. doi: 10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70290-x. PMID: 11236722
[2] Abraham M, Lak MA, Gurz D, Nolasco FOM, Kondraju PK, Iqbal J. A Narrative Review of Breastfeeding and Its Correlation with Breast Cancer: Current Understanding and Outcomes. Cureus. 2023;15(8):e44081. Published 2023 Aug 25. doi:10.7759/cureus.44081
[3] Rosenblatt K.A., Thomas D.B., The WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptive, Lactation and the Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 22, Issue 2, April 1993, Pages 192–197, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/22.2.192
[4] Yuen M, Hall OJ, Masters GA, et al. The Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Mental Health: A Systematic Review. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2022;31(6):787-807. doi:10.1089/jwh.2021.0504
[5] Kennedy K.I., Labbok M.H., Van Look P.F.A., Lactational amenorrhea method for family planning, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Volume 54, Issue 1, 1996, Pages 55-57, ISSN 0020-7292, https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(96)02670-7
[6] Del Ciampo LA, Del Ciampo IRL. Breastfeeding and the Benefits of Lactation for Women’s Health. Aleitamento materno e seus benefícios para a saúde da mulher. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2018;40(6):354-359. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1657766
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Hecht, DO
Lauren Hecht, DO is a recent graduate of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Hecht plans to pursue residency in otolaryngology or pediatrics. She enrolled in the FACTS elective to gain a better understanding of natural family planning methods and learn ways to share these methods with future patients, family, and friends, so they can feel more empowered over their health and reproductive decisions.