Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
Breastfeeding is an essential part of motherhood, there are many health benefits of breastfeeding offered for both moms and babies. While it's a natural process, the decision to breastfeed can cause heavy emotions, nerves, and uncertainties for many new moms. Join us as we discover the advantages of breastfeeding, from improving the baby’s immune system to reducing the risk of certain diseases for the mother, focusing on why breastfeeding is one of the most valuable gifts a mother can offer her child.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
Lowers risk of breast cancer- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer for mothers by prompting hormonal changes that delay menstrual cycles, which in turn, reduces exposure to estrogen, a hormone that can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Additionally, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast tissue is shed and which assists in eliminating potentially harmful cells.
Lowers risk of ovarian cancer- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by preventing ovulation. With fewer ovulation cycles, the lower the exposure to estrogen and the lower the likelihood of abnormal cells becoming cancerous.
Lowers risk of high blood pressure- Throughout the years researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression. Breastfeeding is seen as a way to protect against PPD and a lack of breastfeeding may cause PDD, anxiety, or other mental struggles.
Positive hormone release- Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, it is known for regulating emotional responses and promoting feelings of empathy, positive communication, affection, and trust. All of these emotions can help mothers be a loving and attentive parent
Quicker recovery from childbirth- During breastfeeding hormones are released that reduce postpartum blood loss and help the uterus go back to its normal size and position much quicker.
Natural weight management- Breastfeeding is seen as a natural way to help moms lose their baby weight. This is because breastfeeding mothers tend to burn an additional 500 calories daily from feeding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for baby
Reduce risk of asthma and strengthen immune system- Breastfeeding lowers the chances of a baby developing asthma due to the presence of maternal microbiota, nutrients, hormones and growth factors in breast milk. These components together influence the development of the lungs and immune system.
Lowers risk of type 1 diabetes- Studies have shown that babies that breastfeed for 3 months, and breastfeed exclusively for two weeks have a 15-30% lower chance of developing type 1 diabetes.
Lowers risk of SIDs- Breastfeeding improves the immune system, promotes brain growth, reduces reflux, and a variety of other factors that in turn have been shown to reduce SIDS by over 50%. To significantly reduce the risk of SIDS, only two months of breastfeeding is required.
Naturally soothes- The direct skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her baby during breastfeeding, promotes early mother-child socialization, and triggers the baby’s natural sucking reflex, which calms the baby.
Promotes healthy weight gain- Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain for the baby and prevents childhood obesity. Since they self-regulate their milk intake, they are more likely to eat until their hunger is satisfied, which helps develop healthy eating patterns. Breast milk contains all of the nutrients babies need for the first 6 months of their life, this results in healthy growth.
Lowers risk of Leukemia- Breast milk contains protective benefits against cancer such as, anti-inflammatories and immune-supporting properties, that lower the risk of childhood leukemia. Studies have shown that infants who breastfed exclusively for longer than six months had a 30% lower risk of developing leukemia.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
Increased physical and emotional bonding- Breastfeeding creates an experience where a mother and baby can bond. It promotes skin-to-skin contact, more holding, stroking, and overall affection. This bonding has been shown to lessen social and behavioral problems when the child grows up. Breastfeeding also allows mothers to learn more about their baby and their cues, this can help the mother know how to better take care of her child and help the baby trust its mom.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but the health benefits of breastfeeding provided for both a mom and her baby are worth it. From lowering the risk of life threatening diseases to promoting healthy child growth and development, breastfeeding offers needed nutrients and hormones for both mother and child.
The benefits of breastfeeding go far beyond just health benefits, it is a special time for physical and emotional connection between a mother and her baby. Through breastfeedings, mothers and babies bond through affection and trust. This bond lays a strong foundation for a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime. So, beyond its nutritional value breastfeeding is a beautiful gift that brings mothers and babies closer together, promoting both physical health and emotional well being.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/postpartum-depression-and-breastfeeding#relationship
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/breast-feeding-calories#weight-loss
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/breastfeeding-and-leukemia
https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-022-00470-z