Does anyone know how breastfeeding helps prevent osteoporosis?

[biskybat]

Any scientists/experts etc. I would have thought it would have been the other way round. Doesn't breastfeeding mean lower levels of oestrogen meaning lower absorption of calcium.

Can anyone explain how breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis in later life?

[http://tinyurl.com/dknggs

tinyurl.com/dknggs bugger!

I think it has been observed that bf-ing women gain back calcium in their bones once bf-ing has stopped and they may actually end up with more calcium than they previously started with, for reasons that are not fully understood.

So yes, bf-ing has a protective effect against osteoporosis, but I am not sure why.

That is what I read too, blueshoes - was hoping someone might be able to explain more about the chemistry behind it

Thanks for the links WMMC, but the ones I've read so far don't seem to explain how

just marking this because I'm interested in the answer too!

sorry I meant they explain how but not why. I think it is fascinating but perhaps the research is in it's infancy??