Interactions between Hypertension and Breastfeeding: What Do We Know?

Substantial evidence indicates that breastfeeding reduces mortality and morbidity in infants. However, social changes in the 20th century resulted in a considerable decline in breastfeeding rates in many countries. Breast milk is crucial because of its nutritional, immunological, and emotional benefits and economic value. Approximately 10% of pregnancies are complicated by hypertensive syndromes, which are the most commonly diagnosed conditions during pregnancy. This perspective aims to explore how hypertension may interfere with the quality of human breast milk. While numerous studies have investigated the composition of breast milk and its numerous benefits for both infants and mothers, limited research examines the relationship between colostrum, breast milk, and hypertension. Given the diverse nutritional and immunological components of breast milk, many questions remain about this complex interaction.