Just in case you needed another reason to breastfeed, besides the great health benefits for your baby and the positive impact on your recovery after childbirth, a new study released by the University of Southern California has found another reason for you (especially if you are over 25).

Several recent studies have determined, and the study released by USC confirmed, that women who have their first child prior to age 25 decrease their risk of developing breast cancer later in life.  The studies have also determined that women who have their first child after the age of 25 increase their risk of developing breast cancer.  This recent study done by researchers at USC reviewed the medical files of 2500 women and determined that those women who had their first baby after age 25 but choose to breastfeed were able to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer as much as those women who had their first child before age 25.  This is huge given that in recent years the average age of a first time mother has risen to 25.

The bottom line of the study was that breastfeeding your child produces a very positive impact on a women’s risk of developing breast cancer later in life if she has her first child after age 25.  The researchers recommended breastfeeding for at least six months if you can for the best results.

So just in case you needed another reason to breastfeed, this study seems to provide a pretty good one.  Talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician for more information or if you have specific questions about your situation.