Bone Density

Maternal health research

These studies explore the effects of breastfeeding on mothers’ bone health.

Lactation may protect the bone health of adolescent mothers

This study suggested that whilst adolescent mothers might be more vulnerable to bone mineral density loss than adult mothers, breastfeeding by adolescent mothers was associated with greater BMD in the proximal femur during young adulthood.

Caroline J. Chantry et al (2004). Lactation Among Adolescent Mothers and Subsequent Bone Mineral Density. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 158:650-656 (Full text)

Related research and further reading