BREASTFEEDING: LASTING IMPACTS ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH – CHALLENGES AND REDUCTION OF COMORBIDITIES

Abstract

Breastfeeding goes beyond neonatal nutrition and is recognized as a strategy that improves long-term health outcomes for both mother and child. Evidence shows that breastfed children have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, while lactating women experience a 4–12% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes per year of breastfeeding, as well as improved postpartum recovery. To present the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, emphasizing the reduction of comorbidities. Methods: Integrative review (2010–2025) conducted in SciELO and Google Scholar. Immediate benefits include adequate uterine involution due to oxytocin release, reducing postpartum hemorrhage. Long-term effects include metabolic regulation, decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hormone-dependent cancers. For infants, breastfeeding promotes immunological maturation, microbiota development, metabolic programming, and reduced chronic disease risk. Breastfeeding shows substantial short- and long-term protective effects for maternal and child health and should be continuously supported by health professionals and public policies.