The connection between breastfeeding and healthier babies has long been recognized as important. Now, experts believe the benefits of nursing are equally as imperative to mom’s health, as well.

According to the Office on Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression in women. Recent studies also indicate a link between nursing and increased heart health.

Margreete Johnston, MD, a private practice pediatrician and certified lactation consultant on staff at Saint Thomas Midtown and other area hospitals, said cardiac risk factors are dramatically reduced among women who nurse for at least six months. That’s welcome news in a nation where 69 percent of adults are overweight or obese, and where heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.

“What strikes me is that people chose to breastfeed because it’s good for the baby, but sometimes they don’t look beyond that at what’s good for their own health and the future of their family,” Johnston said. “Preventing diabetes and hypertension isn’t on the radar for many women but should be.”

Studies indicate a lower amount of visceral (belly) fat long-term among women who breastfeed, while others point to decreased blood pressure and lower risk of developing hypertension later in life.

Johnston also has seen healthier long-term outcomes among nursing mothers in her own practice and encourages moms-to-be to give nursing a try. She also encourages healthcare providers to become greater advocates for breastfeeding. And as hospitals work toward the Joint Commission’s goal of improving exclusive breastfeeding rates, Johnston said many centers are becoming more breastfeeding friendly by advocating the practice and encouraging rooming in as a way to help new moms learn their baby’s feeding cues.

“It’s an opportunity to teach mothers that it not only affects the baby’s health and their future, but their own long-term health outcome, as well,” said Johnston. “We need to be promoting breastfeeding in every venue and not give in to advertisements and marketing from formula companies since new moms are some of the most vulnerable people in the world.”