Breastfeeding for Mom's Health

I've read study after study about how breastfeeding can put women at a lower risk for diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.  It seems every week a new study comes out declaring that breastfeeding is not only best for baby, but mom too.  These researchers track families for 5-10 years.  It may be, that breastfeeding really does protect the mother.  But often, what these studies don't take into account, could also be the reasons: moms who breastfeed are more likely to be educated, have support systems, and have the resources to either employ help or stop working.  Whatever these reasons, this mom is also more likely to be health conscious, have access to good healthcare and be mindful about taking care of her body with regular visits to the doctor.

Breastfeeding is best for the baby.  There's no doubt about that.  But there are other mitigating factors that can influence a mother's health.  I'd lay money down on a bet that says if we provided access to good healthcare for all Americans you'd see the numbers change dramatically. 

I'm an educated woman (I have a Masters degree), I'm middle class in terms of wealth, I go to my doctor at the routine times.  I have mammograms every year.  I work because I want to, but also because I have to.   I breastfed both of my children, although my second for a much shorter period of time. 

When my kids were younger I made the decision to change course professionally, and chose a job that allowed me to work at home.  You'd think, "oh,she has the life."  Well, here's the reality:  my job was a demanding one, fraught with daily deadlines.  I needed to really be at my computer all the time.  But I also wanted to be a good mom and play with my children, be there with them when they had a snack, hit a baseball to my son, etc. When I was playing with them, I was worried about not being at the computer.  When I was at the computer I knew I was letting them down.  And I can tell you this, as an educated woman, with access to regular healthcare, who breastfed her children, my blood pressure went up! 

So there are lots of reasons a mother's health can head in the wrong direction.  I don't think good health is simply a matter of breastfeeding!