Did you know that one person every five minutes develops diabetes here in Australia? That totals 280 Australians every single day. Good news came out earlier this year about a way in which mums can help stave off or eliminate their chances of developing type 2 diabetes, and it all has to do with breastfeeding.
We know how great breastfeeding is for our babies, but now researchers are spending more time on determining the benefits for the mums as well. This study analysed 1,035 women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes between the years of 2008 and 2011. All women had a singleton birth at 35 weeks’ gestation or later, and from 6 to 9 weeks after delivery, each participant participated in an assessment which included an oral glucose tolerance test. These assessments were then conducted again 1 and 2 years after the delivery among women who did not have type 2 diabetes at baseline.
What makes this study unique is how it also gathered information on a family’s infant feeding practices on a monthly basis up to 1 year after the baby was delivered. The findings were surprising and exciting.
Breastfeeding May Reduce A Woman’s Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
According to the study, within 2 years after a baby’s delivery nearly 12% of the women developed type 2 diabetes. What was surprising to the researchers was that, when compared to women who exclusively formula-fed their babies 6 to 9 weeks after delivery, those who exclusively or mostly breastfed for at least 2 months after delivery were up to 57% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
The study also stresses that the researchers took a number of other potentially confounding factors into account, including:
- Maternal obesity prior to the pregnancy
- Gestational weight grain
- Race/ethnicity
- Treatment for gestational diabetes
- Delivery by C-section
- Other lifestyle behaviours
Supporting A Successful Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding is by no means a guarantee that a mum will not develop type 2 diabetes, but this study indicates that it could be a contributing factor. The problem is that nursing for some is not easy, and those mums require a lot of comfort and support during this transitional period of her life.
One way we at Peachymama support new mums is by providing colourful patterns and beautifully designed breastfeeding clothes which simplify the nursing process while keeping mums feeling great. Through our distinct panel system which is featured on our T-shirts, tanks and dresses, mums can breastfeed while at home or on the go, privately and comfortably.
Browse our bright and fashion-forward range for summer at peachymama.com.au!
Further Reading:
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/diabetes-in-australia
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303180