Researchers in Japan have found that higher breastfeeding intensity is associated with a more favorable lipid profile in the early postpartum period among women with a history of gestational diabetes. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that greater breastfeeding intensity may contribute to improved early postpartum cardiometabolic health in women who previously experienced gestational diabetes.
The study was conducted by Harumi Kanzawa and colleagues at Nagasaki University School of Medicine. Women who develop gestational diabetes are at increased risk of future cardiometabolic disorders, while abnormalities in lipid metabolism can emerge soon after delivery.
The prospective cohort study included 470 Japanese women with previous gestational diabetes who underwent metabolic assessments between 6 and 9 weeks after delivery. Participants had a mean age of 34.0 years.
Breastfeeding practices were classified using a validated six-level scale, with high-intensity breastfeeding defined as obtaining at least 80% of breast milk. Of the participants, 369 women practiced this type of breastfeeding.
These women had lower mean triglyceride levels than those not practicing high-intensity breastfeeding, at 67.2 vs 116.1 mg/dL. Mean HDL-C levels were higher among women practicing high-intensity breastfeeding, at 73.9 vs 63.0 mg/dL.
The mean LDL-C-to-HDL-C ratio was lower with high-intensity breastfeeding, at 1.8 vs 2.3, indicating a more favorable lipid profile. After adjustment for clinical factors and insulin sensitivity, high-intensity breastfeeding was associated with 75% lower odds of hypertriglyceridemia and 73% lower odds of an raised LDL-C-to-HDL-C ratio, implying lower odds of an unfavorable lipid profile.
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The associations between high-intensity breastfeeding and the more favorable lipid profile remained significant after accounting for insulin sensitivity. However, the study had several limitations, including self-reported breastfeeding data and potential residual confounding from lifestyle, psychosocial, and socioeconomic factors.
Harumi Kanzawa and colleagues concluded that high-intensity breastfeeding was associated with more favorable lipid profiles during early postpartum among women with prior gestational diabetes. They emphasized that structured lactation support may have potential cardiometabolic benefits, while noting that longer-term studies are needed to determine whether these early lipid differences translate into lower cardiovascular risk.
Kanzawa and colleagues’ findings could inform the development of targeted interventions to support women with a history of gestational diabetes in achieving better cardiometabolic health through breastfeeding. The study’s results highlight the importance of considering the potential benefits of breastfeeding in the context of overall health and wellness.
The study’s findings are published in the journal JAMA Network Open, with the reference: Kanzawa H, Yasuhi I, Yamashita H, Yatsuhashi H. Breastfeeding Intensity and Early Postpartum Lipid Profiles Among Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(8):e2631833. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.31833
Harumi Kanzawa.
