There’s lots of talk about breast being best for baby, but what about for mom? The good news is yes, there are several health benefits for moms who breastfeed – we’ve shared some of them here.
Help with Sleep Deprivation
Any new parent will tell you that the most challenging part of parenting a newborn is the lack of sleep. When you’re exhausted from not getting your normal quota of zzz’s, breastfeeding can help simplify things. There’s no need to clean bottles and mix and warm formula – breast milk is always at the right temperature and no pre-mixing is necessary. In addition, the hormone oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding, can have a calming effect, which makes some nursing moms drowsy. Taking advantage of this tranquil feeling by giving in to a short nap while nursing can help you catch up on much needed sleep.
Post-Partum Weight Loss
Let’s face it, most pregnant women love the feel of their baby moving around in their belly, but once the baby is born, you want your body to return to its pre-pregnant state. Breastfeeding can help! The uterus, that’s about the size of an orange before pregnancy grows to the size of a watermelon (15 – 20 times its usual size) by the time the baby, is born. The same hormone that encourages relaxation when you’re nursing also causes your uterus to shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. In addition to that, breastfeeding burns calories. It takes energy to make milk and women can burn up to 500 calories a day just by breastfeeding. For some women, it makes losing the “baby weight” a little easier.
Reduced Risk of Diabetes and Cancer
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Breastfeeding decreases the possibility that your baby will get a variety of infectious diseases, ear infections, diarrhea, etc.” Breastfeeding has also been shown to prevent long-term health problems such as diabetes, asthma, obesity and some childhood cancers. Does breastfeeding have the same disease preventive properties for moms? The answer is a resounding yes! Breastfeeding decreases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cancers of the breast, uterus and ovary. Diabetes Health shared a study showing that women who breastfed for 1 year reduced their risk of being diagnosed with diabetes by 15% for 15 years. The reduction in risk of diabetes increased the longer the mom breastfed her baby. The American Cancer Society sites a study that concluded, “For every 12 months of breastfeeding (either with only 1 child, or as the total period of time for several children), the risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3%, compared to women who did not breastfeed.” In addition, by delaying the return of mom’s menstrual period, it decreases the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia.
Less Time Off for Working Moms
And last but not least, breastfeeding provides an advantage for the many moms who return to work. The fact is that all babies get sick – colds, coughs and fevers just to name a few. The good news is that since babies who are breastfed are sick less often, it means less time off from work. That decreases stress and helps productivity at work. Wouldn’t you rather use that time off to spend with your healthy family, or better yet, spend a day relaxing day at a spa?
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates offers breastfeeding classes at many of our practices. It is recommended that this class be taken approximately four weeks before your due date. The class will provide you with all of the information you need to get off to a good start with breastfeeding, including:
- How you make milk
- How to know if your baby is hungry
- Positioning of your baby for feeding
- How to know if your baby is getting enough, and
- Support and resources.
Click here to learn more and find a breastfeeding class near you.
For more tips and information about breastfeeding, see our previous blog posts, “Getting Baby from Breast to Bottle” and “Breast Milk Pumping Made Fast and Easy.”