Breastfeeding Burns Up to 500 Calories Daily and Lowers Cancer Risk for Mothers

Recent research highlights breastfeeding as a health practice with long-term benefits for both mother and child. Beyond providing essential nutrition and immune support to infants, breastfeeding helps mothers burn approximately 400 to 500 calories daily. It also improves insulin sensitivity, utilizes fat stores accumulated during pregnancy, and enhances blood lipid profiles.

Studies show that women who breastfeed for more than a year cumulatively reduce their risk of breast cancer by about 26% and ovarian cancer by 37%. Additionally, breastfeeding is linked to a 32% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Epidemiological data also indicate reduced rates of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke among women who breastfeed longer.

Experts from Rambam Medical Center explain that breastfeeding alters the hormonal environment, including reduced ovulation and lower estrogen exposure, which may decrease cancer risk. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, benefits cardiovascular health and stress regulation. Long-term studies suggest breastfeeding mothers experience a 10% to 20% reduction in overall mortality, including fewer cases of dementia.

While these findings are based on observational studies and cannot prove causation, they underscore breastfeeding's potential as a natural intervention with lasting health advantages. Specialists also emphasize that breastfeeding is not suitable for all women, and healthy child-rearing is possible through various means. Nonetheless, the accumulating evidence positions breastfeeding as a significant factor in promoting maternal and child health well beyond infancy.