A new study released yesterday shows that women who breastfeed their babies could significantly reduce their risk of developing breast cancer… especially if an immediate relative has had it.  The numbers are pretty staggering–women who breastfed their babies had a 59% lower risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer. 

The study was authored by an associate professor at my alma mater–the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and used information from more than 60,000 women.  More research is needed to confirm the results, but it suggests that breastfeeding can do as much good for a mother at risk of developing breast cancer as the often-prescribed Tamoxifen drug can.

The human body continues to amaze me!!  I succeeded in my goal of nursing Charlie exclusively for 6months.  While we had a rocky start, it’s been well-worth the effort and something that I truly believe has been both good for his growing body and mine.  That said, it was one of the biggest challenges early on as a mother, so I understand why some make the switch to formula.  I am just glad I stuck with it.  Right now, he gets formula in the mornings when I am at work, then I nurse him in the afternoon, evenings and middle of the night. (yes–he’s still waking up!)