---
title: "Breastfeeding & Heart Health"
date: 2025-03-10T18:09:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breastfeeding-heart-health"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Breastfeeding & Heart Health

Breastfeeding benefits both babies and birthing parents in many ways -- including our heart health, as this American Heart Association News article reports.

For instance, a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) published in 2021 found that toddlers who were fed breast milk had lower blood pressure than those who never had breast milk.

Another study in JAHA in 2022 found that women who breastfed were 17% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 11% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women who didn’t breastfeed. They were also 14% less likely to develop heart disease and 12% less likely to have strokes than women who didn’t breastfeed.

The American Heart Association recommends that babies receive 12 months of breast milk. At around four to six months, parents can start to add more sources of nutrients alongside breast milk. For those who cannot breastfeed or do not want to breastfeed, expressing breast milk or using donated breast milk can provide these nutrients.

> There’s growing evidence that suggests breastfeeding can play an important role in lowering cardiovascular disease risks. We know that cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, can start in childhood, so giving a baby breast milk even for a few days in infancy is a good start to a heart-healthy life.

[Read the full article ](https://newsroom.heart.org/news/even-a-little-breastfeeding-goes-a-long-way-in-protecting-heart-health-of-baby-and-mom)

SOURCE: American Heart Association • LAST UPDATED: August 23, 2022

![A woman breastfeeds a baby who looks at the camera](data:image/png;base64,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)Helena Lopes/Pexels 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ pregnancy & postpartum heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/pregnancy-postpartum-heart-health)
- [ breastfeeding / chestfeeding](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/breastfeeding-chestfeeding)
- [breastfeeding](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/breastfeeding)
- [chestfeeding](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/chestfeeding)
- [heart disease risk factors](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease-risk-factors)
- [cardiovascular risk](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-risk)
- [high blood pressure](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/high-blood-pressure)
- [cardiovascular disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-disease)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesWatch

## Tools for Breastfeeding / Chestfeeding Success

In this video, experienced lactation consultants provide clear, practical advice on how to have a successful breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) experience.

![Tools for Breastfeeding Chest feeding Success scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this video, experienced lactation consultants provide clear, practical advice on how to have a successful breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) experience.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tools-for-breastfeeding-chestfeeding-success)

[ResourcesRead

## Breastfeeding as Birth Control

Information about lactational amenorrhea, a form of contraception that aims to prevent ovulation through breastfeeding.

![Breastfeeding scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Information about lactational amenorrhea, a form of contraception that aims to prevent ovulation through breastfeeding.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breastfeeding-as-birth-control)

[ResourcesWatch

## Breastfeeding Video Series

A collection of short videos about breastfeeding (or chestfeeding), filmed around the world with a diverse group of new parents.

![Breastfeeding Video Series scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of short videos about breastfeeding (or chestfeeding), filmed around the world with a diverse group of new parents.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breastfeeding-video-series)

[ResourcesRead

## Heart Health and Pregnancy

A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.

![cdc-c8fnD1rKGCk](data:image/png;base64,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)

A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-health-and-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## After Acute Heart Failure, Women Experience Worse Quality of Life

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.

![Camellia faceless older woman in chair in dark unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/after-acute-heart-failure-women-experience-worse-quality-of-life)

[ResourcesRead

## An Overview of Atrial Fibrillation

A brief, gender-neutral overview of what happens to the body during atrial fibrillation, including causes, symptoms, interventions, and treatments.

![Atrial_Fibrillation](data:image/png;base64,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)

A brief, gender-neutral overview of what happens to the body during atrial fibrillation, including causes, symptoms, interventions, and treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-overview-of-atrial-fibrillation)

[ResourcesRead

## Assessing Heart Disease Risk Factors

This interactive tool allows you to estimate your risk of ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease).

![Sk je Eedh J Xo R0 unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive tool allows you to estimate your risk of ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/assessing-heart-disease-risk-factors)

[ResourcesRead

## How History and Racism Reframe the Formula Shortage for Black Families

Formula shortages disproportionately affect Black birthing people because of a long history in which they have been both prohibited and discouraged from breastfeeding.

![A Black woman with curly hair feeds a baby with a bottle](data:image/png;base64,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)

Formula shortages disproportionately affect Black birthing people because of a long history in which they have been both prohibited and discouraged from breastfeeding.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/formula-shortage-for-black-families)