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Bone density in the femur and lumbar spine were measured in nursing women at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after birth in a longitudinal study. Bone density was not compromised in nonnursing mothers or a group of mothers who breast-fed for up to 5 months. Bone density was significantly reduced in an extended lactation group (> or = 6 months). However, these findings should not be a deterrent to breast-feeding because the evidence suggests that once breast-feeding is stopped, recovery of bone density can occur.
Bone density in the femur and lumbar spine were measured in nursing women at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after birth in a longitudinal study. Bone density was not compromised in nonnursing mothers or a group of mothers who breast-fed for up to 5 months. Bone density was significantly reduced in an extended lactation group (> or = 6 months). However, these findings should not be a deterrent to breast-feeding because the evidence suggests that once breast-feeding is stopped, recovery of bone density can occur.