Breastfeeding ‘could prevent smoking relapse’

Breastfeeding could prevent women from smoking after pregnancy, according to new research.

While the majority of people give up smoking upon becoming pregnant, research has shown around 70 percent take up the habit again within a year of giving birth and 90 percent of these have done so after six months.

A study funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse has revealed women who breastfeed their child for at least 90 days smoked less than those who did not breastfeed or did so for a shorter amount of time.

"Breastfeeding seems to be a protective factor against increases in smoking after childbirth, so interventions should educate women about breastfeeding to maximise effectiveness," the scientists behind the research said.

They added that providing support for women during at least three months of breastfeeding could have long-term benefits for smoking reduction, which would provide significant health advantages for both mothers and their children.