9 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

Breastfeeding is as positive for the baby as it is for the mother. There is always talk of how good it is for children, but what about mothers? Of course, there are advantages, not only physically, but also emotionally. Discover the benefits of breastfeeding for you.

Many mothers decide to breastfeed because of how positive it is for their little ones to drink breast milk. But some also see breastfeeding as martyrdom only justified by the fact that it’s good for the health of their child.

The best method of feeding your baby

What many don’t know is that it’s not only beneficial for the child, but also for the mothers. Perhaps by knowing how good breastfeeding is for your health, many wouldn’t see it as uncomfortable. And they wouldn’t be as discouraged by the difficulties of this period.

Because let’s be honest, it’s not easy. As with everything, it takes time and learning, but once we master it, it’s rewarding and healthy for both of us. Although don’t forget that, as we’re going to see, the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and very good.

Below, we’re going to analyze a series of health benefits of breastfeeding.

The health benefits of breastfeeding

1. Helps to lose weight after childbirth naturally

After giving birth, breastfeeding makes you lose weight. Breastfeeding consumes between 430 and 520 calories a day.

2. Suction accelerates the contraction of the uterus

When your child suckles, your oxytocin levels rise. This helps the uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding. This makes the woman’s body return to normal faster.

3. Lowers the risk of some types of cancer

There’s scientific evidence that indicates that if a woman breastfeeds, the possibility of developing breast cancer is reduced by 4.5% each year that you breastfeed. The probability of developing ovarian cancer is also reduced by 28% per year of continuous breastfeeding. This is evidenced by a study published in the Journal of Human Lactation.

4. The contraceptive effect

While you’re breastfeeding, ovulation is delayed. That’s why it’s effective in preventing pregnancies in the first 6 months–Time used by the body to recover from pregnancy.

This benefit is fantastic if your child nurses every 2 hours. Once feeding is more spaced out and the baby consumes less milk, you should use other contraceptive methods.

5. Protects against postpartum depression

Breastfeeding, as we’ve said before, is related to the release of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is related to the appearance of positive feelings: Love, happiness, attachment, etc. This makes you less prone to postpartum depression, according to research published in the Latin American Journal of Nursing.

6. Breast milk is cheaper than artificial milk

If you decide to breastfeed, you’ll also save money, as artificial baby formula is quite expensive. So breastfeeding is also a benefit for the family economy.

7. Lowers the risk of osteoporosis

In the long term, breastfeeding increases a woman’s calcium storage. Although metabolism increases with breastfeeding, calcium absorption also increases. This ultimately lowers the chances of bone fractures.

8. Helps sleep and promotes rest

With breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin is released, which stimulates milk production. This hormone has a relaxing effect on both mother and baby.

9. Increases the self-confidence and security of moms

Breastfeeding gives the mother a high level of satisfaction, as the nourishment of her child depends on her. This physical and emotional satisfaction that breastfeeding provides to babies, causes positive feelings in mothers. This increases confidence and self-assurance.

Breastfeeding is beneficial

Surely you didn’t know all the benefits that breastfeeding has for you too, mom. So, from now on, you know a little more about all the good things that breastfeeding your child can bring you.

Breastfeeding isn’t only good for your baby’s physical and emotional health, but also for moms. There’s nothing better than that moment of union between a mother and her child when it comes to feeding it.