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Rachel V Thomas

Breastfeeding Can Help Reduce Mothers' Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Breast Cancer and More

<span>Breastfeeding</span> is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond a baby's health, experts said as part of <span>World Breastfeeding Week</span>, observed annually from August 1 to 7.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.

While providing essential nutrition for babies, breastfeeding also offers significant long-term health benefits for mothers. Studies show it can help lower the risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:

<ul><li><span rel="noindex">Type 2 diabetes</span></li><li>Hypertension</li><li>Cardiovascular disease</li><li>Breast cancer</li><li>Ovarian cancer</li></ul>

According to the <span>World Health Organization</span>, scaling up breastfeeding could prevent nearly 400,000 child deaths and around 140,000 <span>maternal deaths</span> every year.

<h2>How Breastfeeding Protects Mothers</h2>

Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities, told <em>HealthandMe</em> that women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, breastfeeding helps the body recover after pregnancy by improving glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity and gradually using the fat stores built up during pregnancy.

"These changes support better metabolic health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies also suggest that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits, although even shorter durations can have a positive impact," she said.

Dr. Dalal added that while breastfeeding is not a guarantee against NCDs, it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

"When combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine health check-ups, it can contribute to better long-term health for mothers. Lactation is not just about nourishing the baby—it also gives the mother's body an opportunity to reset and recover metabolically after pregnancy," she said.

<h2>Benefits Extend to Mental Health</h2>

Breastfeeding also supports maternal mental well-being by stimulating the release of oxytocin, often called the "feel-good" hormone. Oxytocin promotes relaxation, strengthens the bond between mother and baby, and may help reduce the risk of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/postpartum-depression">postpartum depression</a></span>.

Dr. Smriti Uppal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology at Pacific One Health, described breastfeeding as "nature's first gift of love, nourishment, and protection" for a child while also strengthening a mother's health.

"Breastfeeding also supports a mother's mental well-being by releasing hormones such as oxytocin, which encourage relaxation and bonding. Every mother's experience is unique, and while breastfeeding may sometimes require patience and support, its lifelong benefits for both mother and child are remarkable," she said.

Dr. Uppal stressed that support from families, healthcare providers and communities is essential to help more mothers breastfeed successfully and improve the health of future generations.

<h2>Supports Recovery After Childbirth</h2>

Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told <em>HealthandMe</em> that breastfeeding speeds up recovery after delivery by helping the uterus return to its original size and reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

She added that breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.

Dr. Mohan said breastfeeding is especially important for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

"Women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop diabetes themselves. Test every pregnancy. Then support every mother to breastfeed. It costs almost nothing and protects two lives," he said.

He explained that high blood sugar during pregnancy exposes the baby to excess glucose, increasing the child's risk of obesity, insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Mohan also noted that many Indian babies are born with a "thin-fat" body composition—lower muscle mass but relatively higher body fat—which increases their long-term metabolic risk.

<h2>How Breastfeeding Protects Babies</h2>

Experts say breast milk provides complete nutrition along with antibodies and enzymes that help protect infants from infections, allergies and illnesses during early life.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods, supports healthy growth, reduces the risk of childhood obesity and may lower a child's future risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Uppal added that breast milk is economical, always available at the right temperature and requires no preparation, making it a convenient and sustainable feeding choice.

She said encouraging breastfeeding through families, healthcare providers and communities can improve the health of both mothers and children, making it a valuable investment in future generations.

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Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond a baby's health, experts said as part of World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7.The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.While providing essential nutrition for babies, breastfeeding also offers significant long-term health benefits for mothers. Studies show it can help lower the risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:Type 2 diabetesHypertensionCardiovascular diseaseBreast cancerOvarian cancerAccording to the World Health Organization, scaling up breastfeeding could prevent nearly 400,000 child deaths and around 140,000 maternal deaths every year.How Breastfeeding Protects MothersDr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities, told HealthandMe that women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, breastfeeding helps the body recover after pregnancy by improving glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity and gradually using the fat stores built up during pregnancy."These changes support better metabolic health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies also suggest that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits, although even shorter durations can have a positive impact," she said.Dr. Dalal added that while breastfeeding is not a guarantee against NCDs, it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle."When combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine health check-ups, it can contribute to better long-term health for mothers. Lactation is not just about nourishing the baby—it also gives the mother's body an opportunity to reset and recover metabolically after pregnancy," she said.Benefits Extend to Mental HealthBreastfeeding also supports maternal mental well-being by stimulating the release of oxytocin, often called the "feel-good" hormone. Oxytocin promotes relaxation, strengthens the bond between mother and baby, and may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression.Dr. Smriti Uppal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Pacific One Health, described breastfeeding as "nature's first gift of love, nourishment, and protection" for a child while also strengthening a mother's health."Breastfeeding also supports a mother's mental well-being by releasing hormones such as oxytocin, which encourage relaxation and bonding. Every mother's experience is unique, and while breastfeeding may sometimes require patience and support, its lifelong benefits for both mother and child are remarkable," she said.Dr. Uppal stressed that support from families, healthcare providers and communities is essential to help more mothers breastfeed successfully and improve the health of future generations.Supports Recovery After ChildbirthDr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that breastfeeding speeds up recovery after delivery by helping the uterus return to its original size and reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.She added that breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.Breastfeeding May Lower Diabetes RiskDr. Mohan said breastfeeding is especially important for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy."Women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop diabetes themselves. Test every pregnancy. Then support every mother to breastfeed. It costs almost nothing and protects two lives," he said.He explained that high blood sugar during pregnancy exposes the baby to excess glucose, increasing the child's risk of obesity, insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.Dr. Mohan also noted that many Indian babies are born with a "thin-fat" body composition—lower muscle mass but relatively higher body fat—which increases their long-term metabolic risk.How Breastfeeding Protects BabiesExperts say breast milk provides complete nutrition along with antibodies and enzymes that help protect infants from infections, allergies and illnesses during early life.Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods, supports healthy growth, reduces the risk of childhood obesity and may lower a child's future risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.Dr. Uppal added that breast milk is economical, always available at the right temperature and requires no preparation, making it a convenient and sustainable feeding choice.She said encouraging breastfeeding through families, healthcare providers and communities can improve the health of both mothers and children, making it a valuable investment in future generations.

breastfeeding can help reduce mothers' risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and more

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