The Golden Hour: Breastfeeding and its lifelong benefits 

World Breastfeeding week

To mark World Breastfeeding Week 2024, Prof Fionnuala McAuliffe and Prof Sharleen O’Reilly, from FIGO Committee on the Impact of Pregnancy on Long Term Health, and Dr Hema Divakar, Director of the Division of Well Women Health Care, come together to raise awareness on how breastfeeding can prevent chronic disease in women. 

On World Breastfeeding Week this year, we want to shed light on the importance of breastfeeding and the profound impact it can have on a mother's health. This natural act of nourishment can play a significant role in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, hypertension and obesity.  

The golden hour  

The 'golden hour' is a term used to describe the first hour after birth. This is a crucial time when mother and baby share their first intimate moments, initiating a bond that is not only emotional but also has significant health benefits. It is during this hour that the first breastfeeding usually occurs.  

Breastfeeding during the golden hour helps the baby to stabilise its heart rate, breathing and blood sugar. It also keeps the baby warm and helps mother and baby to develop a strong bond. However, the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond this golden hour.  

Breastfeeding is a golden opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life while also taking care of your health.  

Breastfeeding and chronic disease prevention  

Diabetes  

Breastfeeding has shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who breastfed for six months or more had a 47% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not breastfeed 1.  

Breast Cancer  

Breastfeeding can also protect against breast cancer 2. According to a report by the World Health Organization, the risk of breast cancer decreases by 6% for each year a woman breastfeeds. The reduction in cancer risk is thought to be due to changes in breast tissue that occur during lactation, which make the cells more resistant to mutations that can lead to cancer.  

Cardiovascular disease  

Breastfeeding has shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially high blood pressure 3. The activity of breastfeeding causes the body to lower its store of triglycerides and LDL (the body’s “bad” cholesterol)—while simultaneously reducing insulin resistance, increasing HDL (the body’s “good” cholesterol)—and promoting vascular changes that reduce the risk of high blood pressure.  

A meta-analysis of international studies comprised of the health records of nearly 1.2 million women found that those who breastfed at some time in their lives were less likely to develop heart disease or stroke and had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who did not breastfeed. Women who breastfed were 11% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who had never breastfed. Over a 10-year average follow-up period, they were 14% less likely to develop heart disease, 12% less likely to have strokes and 17% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.  

Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby, it is a powerful tool for improving health and preventing disease. 

The power of breastfeeding  

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, let's remember the golden hour and the lifelong benefits it brings to mothers. Let's promote breastfeeding for the health of mothers, babies and communities worldwide.  

Remember, every mother's journey is unique, and any amount of breast milk is beneficial. Whether you breastfeed for a few days or a few years, the benefits are significant.  

Breastfeeding is not always easy, and everyone will have a different experience. As health care professionals, we must provide help and support to mothers choosing to breastfeed their babies. 

Let’s come together to embrace and support breastfeeding for a healthier world. Happy World Breastfeeding Week!   

References 

  1. Erica P. Gunderson, Cora E. Lewis, Ying Lin, Mike Sorel, Myron Gross, Stephen Sidney, David R. Jacobs, James M. Shikany, Charles P. Quesenberry. Lactation Duration and Progression to Diabetes in Women Across the Childbearing Years. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2018; DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.7978 
  2. Stordal B. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer: A call for action in high-income countries with low rates of breastfeeding. Cancer Med. 2023 Feb;12(4):4616-4625. doi: 10.1002/cam4.5288. 
  3. Rameez RM, Sadana D, Kaur S, et al. Association of Maternal Lactation With Diabetes and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(10):e1913401.