A new study has just tied breastfeeding to lower blood pressure risk later in life.  In their study, the authors state that women who did not breastfeed had a 22% higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The authors go so far as to claim that 12% of hypertensive women may actually have high blood pressure due to suboptimal breastfeeding.  The authors suggest that the hormone oxytocin, which is involved in breastfeeding, may have lasting effects on blood pressure. As a side note, oxytocin is considered the “love hormone”- it is released during orgasms and works in the brain to help with social recognition and bonding.  Many doctors are prescribing oxytocin to help couples feel more love and affection. Now back to the current study…

There is so much research supporting the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby.  These studies are needed to help make necessary changes in hospitals. Since heart disease is the number one killer in women and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, this new finding has some serious muscle to make changes in maternity wards. We need more baby friendly hospitals where all babies are offered nothing but breast milk and are allowed to stay with mom 24 hours/day.  Women need increased access to lactation consultants and more insurance companies should coverage lactation consultations. Hopefully this research will help to make these changes.