lactation

According to the findings of a new study, new moms who breastfeed for a month run a lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes vis-à-vis those who do not breastfeed at all.

The biological process that triggers during lactation increases sensitivity to insulin and reduces the formation of belly fat, researchers reasoned.

Details of the study
For the purpose of the study, researchers reviewed previously collected data of 2,233 Californian women aged between 40 and 78 years. 461 women had previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

The study is first of its kind to identify as well as ascertain a link between antidepressant use and lactation in humans.

Lactation is the secretion of milk from the mammary glands to feed the young.

"The breasts are serotonin-regulated glands, meaning the breasts' ability to secrete milk at the right time is closely related to the body's production and regulation of the hormone serotonin," said Nelson Horseman, of the University of Cincinnati and co-author of the study.