Researchers claim that maternal breastfeeding in the first few days lowers blood pressure and theImproved heart health. According to the authors of a new study, this is because breast milk contains hormones that promote better long-term health outcomes. Experts recommend breastfeeding babies until they are 6 months old, but only 1 in 4 infants receive breast milk for this period.
How breastfeeding brings health benefits in the first few days
The study authors analyzed data from more than 2,000 children to determine the relationship between breastfeeding and blood pressure. They observed that infants who received breast milk had lower blood pressure at age 3. This is the case even if breastfeeding is in the first few days and only for a short time. Although the clinical relevance of these associations remains to be determined, these early health differences could lead to significant reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life and associated healthcare cost savings. The researchers found that blood pressure was higher at age 3 in the children who never received breast milk. Those who drank first milk only in the first few days of life had lower blood pressure compared to their non-breastfed peers. Colostrum is full of hormones that can set the stage for healthy results in the long term. This study shows that colostrum is a health precaution.
Colostrum is a concentrated form of breast milk that contains bioactive compounds such as growth factors, stem cells and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. These benefit the microbiome and vascular endothelium, paving the way for better cardiovascular health. Breastfeeding in the early days can have health benefits for both infants and mothers. The former have a reduced risk of obesity, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory tract disease, gastrointestinal infections, ear infections and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The resultsthis studyhave potentially important implications for healthcare practice and policy. They emphasize the importance of prenatal education and immediate postpartum breastfeeding support.
