Lactation Intensity and reduction in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome after a maternal complication of pregnancy: an observational cohort analysis

Major pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are not just health risks during pregnancy — they significantly raise a woman's chances of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes in the years that follow. Breastfeeding is already known to offer some protection against these conditions later in life, but it is not fully understood whether the intensity of breastfeeding in the early postpartum period might reduce a woman's immediate risk of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol). This observational study is following women who are referred to a postpartum cardiovascular preventive clinic at 6 months after a complicated pregnancy. Researchers will measure whether women who breastfed at higher intensity (more frequently, for longer) over those 6 months have lower rates of metabolic syndrome compared to those who breastfed less or not at all. You may be eligible if you are 18 to 45 years old, have had a recent pregnancy complication (such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring medication, preterm birth before 35 weeks, a small baby, or placental abruption), and have been referred to a postpartum preventive care clinic. The study is observational — there is no change to your medical care.