benefits of breastfeeding for mom

Breastfeeding is an important and beneficial experience for a mother and something that all babies need. However, breastfeeding sometimes becomes a problem for working mothers physically, as they cannot always be available for their babies. This is where the misunderstanding comes. Breastfeeding doesn’t only mean that your baby is sucking milk from your breast directly. It includes the entire process of you pumping breast milk and the baby getting the breast milk. For this, you don’t always have to be present near the baby. Just pump the milk using a breast pump and let him/her have it from a bottle.

Breastfeeding is always shown as beneficial for the babies only, but in fact, it is highly beneficial for the mothers as well. Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding for the mom.

1. Preventing breast and ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding your baby helps prevent breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. Breastfeeding your baby for a longer duration suppresses cancer-causing elements and thus, reduces the risk of cancer.

2. Burning the calories

The more frequently you breastfeed your baby in one day, the more calories you burn. Studies show that a mother breastfeeding her baby in a gap of 4 hours can burn up to 400 calories per day. It is possible that this could help you get back to your pre-pregnancy shape in no time.

3. Contracting the uterus

A chemical, oxytocin, is released every time the baby breastfeeds, which helps the uterus contract and return to its prenatal stage, while also decreasing postnatal bleeding. The chemical also helps balance the hormonal level in the body.

4. Using fewer contraceptives

Continuous breast feeding helps delay ovulation, which in turn reduces the chances of getting pregnant immediately after childbirth. Ovulaton with be halted for as long as the mother breastfeeds. This helps in better family planning.

5. Release of good hormones

Breastfeeding produces hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, which produce a peaceful and nurturing sensation in moms, and promote a strong sense of love and attachment. These hormones help prevent postpartum anxiety and increase the happiness level of the mother.

Breastfeeding can help reduce a lot of health risks for both yourself and your child, while also improving your mood and bring about an ever-growing affection for your child. Thus, during this breastfeeding week, pledge to breastfeed your child and keep both yourself and your baby healthy and happy.