Why is Breastfeeding Good for You?

Breastfeeding is a special parenting experience that is exclusive to moms. As a new mother, deciding how to fuel your little one is likely the first parenting decision you’ll make. You are probably aware of the plethora of benefits that breastfeeding has for babies. However, did you know it is equally beneficial for you?

Breastfeeding your infant can protect you from several diseases that may occur after your childbearing years. Women who choose to breastfeed also have a lower risk of developing certain cancers compared to moms who opt-out. Perhaps the most immediate benefit of all is it helps you regain your body shape.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 6 months.

Although most moms are aware of the benefits of mother’s milk for babies, there are numerous breastfeeding benefits for you as well.

1.Minimizes Uterine Bleeding After Child Birth.

After the baby is born, your uterus becomes like a large sack. It contains the placenta which is filled with blood vessels. This needs to close off. When you nurse your baby, it quickens this process. As your baby suckles, your body produces and releases oxytocin. This hormone aids uterine contraction. The contraction is important as it helps the uterus return to its original size and reduces post-delivery bleeding. This is a win-win situation for both you and your baby.

2. Lowers Your Risk For Heart Disease.

In the United States, heart disease is the leading killer of women. Currently, more than 8 million women are living with this disease. The good news is, if you breastfeed your baby, it can provide you with protection against this deadly disease later in life.

A large study investigating the link between breastfeeding and heart disease development in later life was conducted in post-menopausal women. The research team found that women who breastfed their babies had a lower chance of having diabetes. High blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol rates were higher in women who didn’t breastfeed.

3.Reduces Your Risk for Developing Diabetes.

Breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing diabetes. Nursing your baby has a significant impact on type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious complications like kidney damage, skin issues, eye damage, cardiovascular disease, and foot damage. By providing your milk, you are also reducing your risk of acquiring diabetes later on in life.

4. Minimizes Your Risk of Ovarian, Endometrial, and Breast Cancer.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding protects against certain cancers that inflict women. A large review of studies found that a woman's risk for developing breast cancer was reduced by over 4% for every year she breastfed. How? Breastfeeding stamps out the negative effects of excess estrogen, such as abnormal cell growth. A similar link between endometrial cancer and breastfeeding was discovered. Moms who breastfed had an 11% lower risk of getting endometrial cancer later on. Another analysis found the same result between the development of ovarian cancer and breastfeeding. Clearly, these studies highlight that there are potential serious risks for not breastfeeding.

5. Expedites Your Weight Loss.

It’s a fact that breastfeeding for weight loss lowers postpartum weight gain. It can help you reduce stored fat and burn calories. This helps new moms make a faster return to their pre-pregnancy weight. How? When you nurse your baby, you need an additional 400 calories or more to generate enough breast milk in a day. In addition, nursing will burn an additional 500 calories. If you’re planning to get into your skinny jeans a little faster, then considering breastfeeding your baby.

6. Protects You from Autoimmune Diseases.

Breastfeeding for longer periods can provide you with protection from certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS).

A study compared with early signs of MS with healthy women. It found that those who breastfed were half as likely to develop MS compared to moms who did not breastfeed.

A study compared with early signs of MS with healthy women. It found that women who breastfed were half as likely to develop MS compared to moms who did not breastfeed.

A Chinese study found a link between the length of breastfeeding and lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The study reported that moms who breastfed had reduced their chances of developing RA by half compared to mothers who didn’t breastfeed.

7. Breastfeeding as birth control. 

Nursing your baby provides up to 98% effectiveness as a birth control technique. This is more effective than a few other forms of birth control. Why? Breastfeeding may be used as a birth control technique because of the hormones your body produces. These hormones inhibit the hormones that may cause pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural, and healthy experience for both baby and mom. It provides invaluable protection against many serious diseases for moms down the road. While the decision to breastfeed is a personal one to make, consider how you will benefit from this exclusive practice.

The Little Things Count

Readily Available - This is the best and foremost advantage. Breast milk is readily available whenever and wherever your infant needs it.

Practical - Mother’s milk is always clean and at the right temperature. It’s also free!

Hassle-free - This method of feeding your baby will save you time and the inconvenience of preparing formula, and warming and sterilizing milk bottles. You don’t have to clean up afterward either!

No Equipment - Every time you head out with your infant, you don’t have to lug around any feeding materials, i.e. bottles, formula, nipples, etc.

Convenience - When your infants wake up at night for a feed, you don’t have to prepare the formula or warm the bottle. If your baby is sleeping in the other room, simply ask your partner to bring him/her to you.

Quick - Breastfeeding is the fastest and easiest way to give your baby complete nutrition.

Environmentally-Friendly - This is an ecologically viable option because you don’t have to wash bottles or use formula cans.