If new moms do what comes naturally and breastfeed their babies, they could be giving both of them a health boost. Researchers have found that breastfeeding for six months cuts a mom’s risk of developing breast cancer in the future, and also cuts her child’s risk of becoming overweight, which is a major risk factor for baby developing cancer later in life.
Scientists reviewed almost 100 studies and found “convincing evidence” that breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, although four out of five women are unaware of the link. About three out of four women were unaware that breastfeeding lowered their child’s risk of being overweight.
“The evidence on this is convincing and this is why we recommend that – if they are able to – mothers should aim to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and then continue with complementary feeding after that,” said Lucie Galice of the World Cancer Research Fund.
“Many new mothers are making choices about whether to breastfeed without knowing it can help reduce cancer risk for them and their child.”
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