How Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers' Health:
Feeding infants with breast milk has been shown to improve the babies health and even IQ, but the benefits of breastfeeding also appear to stay with mothers for years to come, lowering risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Here are a few benefits of breastfeeding for moms:
Mothers who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding.
Studies show that women who have breastfed experience reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Some studies have found that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of the mother’s menstrual period, which can help extend the time between pregnancies. Exclusive breastfeeding can provide a natural form of contraception.
Since you don't have to buy and measure formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you bond.
Oxytocin also has an antidepressant effect. One study found that mothers who had higher levels of the hormone had fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. In fact, for as long as you continue to breastfeed, oxytocin will help you feel calm, reduce stress and blood pressure, and even raise your pain threshold.
Get more sleep when you breastfeed. When your baby wakes for milk at night, breastfeeding tends to be the quickest, easiest way of feeding him. You can even do it lying down! And the oxytocin and other hormones released during breastfeeding should help both of you doze off again quickly afterwards.
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