Why is breastfeeding healthy for moms?

First of all, nursing is a wonderful bonding experience that only you and your little one can share.  Two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, are released during breastfeeding which increase feelings of relaxation, nurturing and love.  Further, the health benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Studies show that women who breastfeed have a decreased future risk of cancer and diabetes.  Recent research suggests that breastfeeding may protect against osteoporosis and bone fractures in older age.  Since breast milk provides your infant with immunity against bacteria and viruses, moms who breast feed typically have less missed work days caring for a sick infant.  This also means that fewer germs are shared with the family.  And if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, moms who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster than moms who don’t breastfeed since breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories a day! 

In addition to being healthy, breastfeeding is also practical, convenient, and good for the environment.  Breastfeeding is virtually cost free, while formula is expensive.  It is also convenient to be able to feed your baby anytime, anywhere, without having to carry formula, bottles and nipples in your diaper bag.  When your infant is still feeding at nighttime, many moms find it easier to simply nurse then to prepare a bottle.  Dads can still help by bringing the baby to mom, burping him and changing him while mom dozes back to sleep after the feeding.  Further, the environment benefits when moms nurse since there are fewer bottles to wash and no formula cans to throw away. Most moms who breastfeed their first baby choose to breastfeed future children.

Breastfeeding is good for the mother's health in several ways:

• Breastfeeding can help you recover faster after delivery. Breastfeeding right after the delivery of your baby helps stop bleeding from your uterus (womb). It also helps shrink your uterus back to the size it was before your pregnancy.
• You may not have a monthly period for several months if you are breastfeeding only (no formula). During this time, your chances of getting pregnant may be lower. You may still need to use some form of birth control to make sure that you do not get pregnant. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about birth control methods you can use while breastfeeding.
• You may be able to lose weight by following a normal diet if you are breastfeeding only (no formula). This can happen because of the extra calories your body needs to support breastfeeding. You will need to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of healthy liquids, such as milk and water. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about breastfeeding and your diet.
• Breastfeeding may decrease your risk of postpartum depression and certain diseases. Women who breastfeed may have a lower risk of having postpartum depression. Breastfeeding decreases your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes in women who did not have gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. Breastfeeding can make your bones stronger. This can help prevent you from getting osteoporosis and fractures (bone breaks) later in life.
• Breastfeeding has other benefits as well. Breastfeeding is a special experience that can help you bond with your baby. Breastfeeding your baby can help increase your confidence in caring for your baby, especially if you are a first-time mother. Breastfeeding can save you time and money because you do not have to buy and prepare milk.

• Breastfeeding causes uterine contractions right after birth, leading to less bleeding.
• Breastfeeding helps your uterus shrink to its normal size and burns extra calories, helping you get in shape faster.
• Breastfeeding reduces your risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis.