Teens currently are less likely to breastfeed than adult mothers, Chantry said, partly because of myths surrounding its impact on the young mothers. The UC Davis study found that the bone mineral density of mothers who breastfed as teens is, in fact, stronger once breastfeeding is concluded than in those who did not breastfeed. This finding, coupled with the known health benefits both baby and mother receive from breastfeeding, clearly underscores the overall advantage for both mother and baby in choosing breastfeeding over formula. The study accounted for other demographic and lifestyle factors known to affect bone mineral density, such as race, diet, weight and exercise, for example. Bone mineral density in mothers who breastfed as teens was not significantly higher than that of women who had no children.
Bone density is an important component in the overall health of women.
During adolescence and young adulthood bones mineralize to their peak strength, so any factor which results in lessened mineralization could have life-long consequences. As women age, bones may become thin, porous and more fragile, a condition known as osteoporosis. Without strong bone density, women are more susceptible to hip fractures, curvature of the spine and back pain. Women who breastfeed are known to be less prone to hip fractures later in life, but it is not clear that this is associated with improved bone mineral density. Chantry's study is the first to suggest that for mothers who bear children in their teens, bone health may actually be improved by choosing to breastfeed.