Women who breastfeed their babies for six months or longer can cut the risk of developing diabetes by almost half, new research by an American healthcare provider shows. A long-term national tracking survey of 5,000 women in the United States found that those who breastfed for six months or more reduced their chances of developing type-2 diabetes, while women who breastfed for six months or less had a 25 per cent reduction in diabetes risk. The study included 1,238 women who did not have diabetes when they enrolled in the long-term study. Each woman had at least one live birth over the next 30 years and was routinely screened for diabetes. “Every breastfeed makes a difference; every time a mother breastfeeds she is doing good for her child’s health and her health,” said Ms Hourigan.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2018 16:41 UTC