Breastfeeding A Baby Longer Lowers the Mother’s Diabetes Risk

The number of individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus has increased dramatically over the past years. The second type, Type 2 diabetes, has taken a toll on the lives of many people across the globe.

Many treatment options and preventive measures have been developed to battle diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Now, a new study reveals that longer breastfeeding among mothers may cut their diabetes risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased from 108 million in 1980 to approximately 422 million in 2014.

In 2015, about 1.6 million deaths were related or directly caused by diabetes.

According to the new study, published in the journal, JAMA Internal Medicine, mothers who nurse or breastfeed their babies have another reason to continue for as long as they can. The longer mothers breastfeed their babies, the lower their risk of diabetes in the future.

Erica Gunderson, the lead author of the study, said in a statement:

“We found a very strong association between breastfeeding duration and lower risk of developing diabetes, even after accounting for all possible confounding risk factors.”

The team of researchers found that women who nursed their babies for six months and beyond across all births had a 47 percent decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For those who breastfed for six months and less, they had a 25 percent reduced risk.

Breastfeeding may trigger protective effects on the pancreas, controlling blood insulin and eventually, blood sugar levels. Aside from this, breastfeeding has many more health benefits like providing protective antibodies for the baby and lowering the risk of various cancers in women such as ovarian and breast cancer.

For some breastfeeding mothers, however, maintaining a steady supply of breast milk is a daunting task.

Here are foods that can help boost breast milk supply.

#1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a famous and effective food that can build up and maintain your breast milk supply. Aside from controlling the blood sugar after pregnancy, oatmeal is loaded with energy, fiber and it can increase milk supply.

#2. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds can dramatically boost the quantity of your breast milk. Aside from that, it can help control baby colic and help you with digestion.

#3. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are best for increasing breast milk supply. It also helps mothers deal with constipation after delivery.

#4. Moringa

Moringa leaves have been widely used to increase a mother’s breast milk supply. Amazingly, it contains 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants.

#5. Ginger

Ginger can boost breast milk supply among mothers. You can consume ginger through candied ginger, ginger ale and ginger pops.