Children whose mothers have diabetes are at greater risk of developing the disease themselves. However, a study published in Diabetes Care found that infants with diabetic mothers who breastfed for six months or more were no more likely to develop diabetes than infants whose mothers did not have diabetes. This may be because breastfeeding helps to prevent childhood obesity.In fact, a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that exclusive breastfeeding for three months can help overcome the genetic propensity toward obesity.Breastfeeding is an effective strategy to reduce rates of diabetes in adult women, as well.
A study published last year in the American Journal of Medicine found that women who did not breastfeed were at increased risk. Intensity seems to matter Women who exclusively breastfed for one to three months were less likely to develop diabetes than mothers who both breastfed and supplemented with formula Breastfeeding is important for the health of mothers and babies for many reasons, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians and many other global and national health care organizations to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding at least through the first year.The United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) recognizes that many mothers face breastfeeding challenges. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are health professionals with the expertise and experience to help mothers and babies overcome breastfeeding barriers and enjoy breastfeeding success. For more information about diabetes, visit
www.diabetes.org.
