Schaumburg, IL (February 2003)-As we reflect on heart health during
> February, American Heart Month, compelling evidence suggests that human
> milk provides one of the keys to future heart health for the breastfed
> infant.  Better cholesterol, less risk for insulin-dependent diabetes, and
>
> lower weight and blood pressure are among the lifelong possibilities for
> infants lucky enough to be breastfed by their mothers.
>
> According to a September 2002 study that was published in Pediatrics
> higher
> total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are
> characteristic  of breastfed infants.  It is thought that this may be a
> type of nutritional programming during infancy, resulting in reduced
> cholesterol levels in adulthood.
>
> In addition to breastfeeding being associated with better adult
> cholesterol
> levels, extensive research suggests that breastfeeding also helps prevent
> insulin-dependent diabetes which is another risk factor in developing
> heart
> disease.  Those infants who were exclusively breastfed during the first
> three months of life had a 34 per cent lower risk of developing
> insulin-dependent diabetes later in life.  Breast milk consumption was
> also
> associated with lower blood pressure later in life of children born
> prematurely.
>
> A study which recently appeared in The Journal of Human
> Lactation,  concluded that evidence suggests that breastfeeding is one
> factor that reduces the risk of child overweight. Breastfeeding as a
> lifelong gift may be the best Valentine's gift, a mother can give her
> infant.
>
> Breastfeeding also provides other compelling advantages to infants,
> mothers, families and even the environment.
>
> It significantly decreases the risks to a large number of acute and
> chronic
> diseases.  Research suggests that peer support is fundamental in
> breastfeeding success rates. Since 1956, La Leche League International has
>
> been providing breastfeeding education and encouragement through
> mother-to-mother support.  If you would like additional information on
> breastfeeding, please contact La Leche League, the world's foremost
> authority on breastfeeding support, at (847) 519-7730 or visit us on the
> web at <
> www.lalecheleague.org">http://www.lalecheleague.org>www.lalecheleague.org
>


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