Lactation and maternal cardiovascular disease risk in later life

Lactation is the process of secretion of milk from the mammary glands as well as the period when the mother lactates to feed her offspring. In humans, lactation (also called breastfeeding or nursing) is recommended for at least the first 6 months of the infant ’s life [1], with introduction of the appropriate complementary foods whilst breastfeeding until 1 year or longer, as mutually desired by the mother and the infant. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both child and maternal health. The short-term advantages for the infant include the decrease in th e incidence of respiratory tract infections and otitis media, non-specific gastrointestinal tract infections and necrotizing enterocolitis, sudden infant death syndrome and infant mortality, allergic disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, childhood leukemia, lymphoma , and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes [1].

Source: Maturitas - January 23, 2019 Category: Primary Care Authors: Georgia Zachou, Eleni Armeni, Irene Lambrinoudaki Source Type: research