Study: Mothers who breastfeed could lower risk of heart disease

Motherhood creates many changes and challenges for a woman, breastfeeding being one of them.

While some women have no problem getting their newborn to latch on, others may grow frustrated from the child’s inability to nurse. There are various factors as to why it could be difficult for some mothers the breastfeed.

A study from the American College of Cardiology found that mothers who breastfeed for at least six months could lower their risk of heart disease.

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of the death for women.

The study looked at 678 women between 1998 and 2004, some who breastfed for six months and some who didn’t at all.

The women participated in a follow-up health assessment seven to 15 years later. Mothers who nursed had higher levels of good cholesterol and healthier arteries.

The results showed up in women who had normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

For more on the study, click here.

In El Paso, there are resources for women who want to learn more about breastfeeding or who may have trouble getting their child to latch on.

The Las Palmas Baby Cafe is available for women who want more information on breastfeeding.

“It’s open to the community so any mom who has breastfeeding questions, even if they’re pregnant, they’re welcome to come in,” said Melinda Gutierrez, a lactation specialist at Las Palmas Medical Center.

Gutierrez said regardless of where a mother delivered her baby, they can go to the Baby Cafe.

Anna Parrish, a mother who has been breastfeeding for more than a year got help from the Baby Cafe.

“The first feeding went great, we thought is was going to be a piece of cake,” Parrish said. The feeding after that were not as successful.

“She had absolutely no interest in feeding,” Parrish said.

Parrish said she saw a lactation consultant and figured out why her daughter was not latching. A year later, Parrish is still nursing her daughter.

“It’s very gratifying to help a mom, especially first-time moms that are not sure what they’re doing,” Gutierrez.

The Baby Cafe is located at 1700 N. Oregon Street inside Las Palmas Medical Center. It is open every Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information, call (915) 521-1320.