Breastfeeding Reduces Mother’s Chances of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Do you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis or any other autoimmune condition in your family? For moms who do have this family history it can feel like you are waiting for the shoe to drop, worried about when you may develop this condition. Well the good news is there is new research that is encouraging as a way to fight off RA.

New research shows that mothers who breastfeed cut their chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA)  in HALF! Researchers in South China examined mothers who took birth control pills and asked them about history with breastfeeding. They found that mothers who breastfed were less likely to have RA, and the protective effect was even greater for moms who breastfed over a longer period of time (for example, 2 yrs. vs. 6 mos.).  In other words, the effect is what researchers call "dose responsive." Taking birth control pills did not make a difference.

This is a wonderful way that women with high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis can be proactive and reduce their risk significantly. ...and its just another wonderful protective effect breastfeeding provides to mothers in general.  

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