Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

By now we are familiar with how breastfeeding benefits babies. But did you know that breastfeeding is also good for Moms? Here are the many ways that giving your baby the best form of nurturing and nourishment rewards you:

Calming

Breastfeeding has a calming effect on the nursing Mom. As baby suckles on your breast, your brain release endorphins, chemicals that are responsible for feelings of calm and relaxation. These chemicals also reduce anxiety and irritability. Plus, breastfeeding makes you sit or lie down, thus giving you plenty of breaks throughout the day from your busy life.

Bonding

The same endorphins are also known as “love hormones” because they stimulate feelings of affection and bonding. No wonder breastfeeding Moms bond so well with their babies!

Recovery

If you have breastfed before, you remember that every time you nursed, your uterus contracted. Although this can cause some discomfort, this is actually good for you. These contractions prevent blood loss after birth and help the stretched out uterus to return to its original size and shape.
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Pregnancy Weight Loss

Breastfeeding helps you go back to your pre-pregnancy weight. It can burn as much as 500 calories a day! Research has shown that breastfeeding Moms lose more weight than formula-feeding Moms. When you’re breastfeeding, your metabolisms goes into high gear. You’ll feel hungry all the time, but you’ll keep losing the pregnancy weight.

Bone Protection

According to studies, women who breastfed have a 75% reduced chance of developing osteoporosis later in life, compared to women who formula-fed. Breastfeeding causes a small bone loss, however after weaning, the bones in Mom’s body gets denser, stronger.

Cancer Protection

Breastfeeding and being breastfed have been identified as ways to prevent cancer. Breastfeeding protects the mother from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. And the longer the woman breastfeeds, the greater her protection.

Convenience

Breastfeeding simplifies your life: you don’t have to sterilize bottles, get up at night to mix formula and warm it up, worry about having enough on vacations… When you go out, all you have to worry about are diapers. Breastmilk is always ready any time the baby is hungry, always enough, always warm enough, and always has the right amount of water and other nutrients your baby needs.

Fewer Illnesses in the Family

Formula-fed babies get sick more often than breastfed babies. This is true whether you live in a third world country or in a first-world country with excellent hygiene and health care. Breastmilk gives your baby antibodies. It’s “customized” with immune factors against viruses and bacteria that you, Mommy, are exposed to. Having fewer illnesses to deal with means less stress, fewer expenses, and fewer days missed from work to care for a sick baby.

Money Savings

Breastfeeding is virtually free, unlike formula, feeding bottles and other bottle-feeding paraphernalia which can cost over $1,000 a year. Not to mention the money you save because your baby will not be sick as often.

photo credit: snaulkter

Breastfeeding Videos – Learn the basics with high-quality video footages and advice from experts

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