Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother
With numerous guidelines written on the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, mothers are now becoming aware of the importance of nursing their babies. Nonetheless, it seems that breastfeeding is not well publicized as many mothers still think breastfeeding is a sacrificial practice almost similar to martyrdom. However, this is a misplaced misconception since breastfeeding is beneficial to the mother as it reduces the risks of developing health related complications later in life. Here are the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers.
1. Reduces diseases
It is evident that breastfeeding provides protection against uterine, ovarian and breast cancer. This also helps to protect the new born baby. Breastfeeding has also been known to help minimize the mother’s risk of getting heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Prevents pregnancies
Breastfeeding prevents ovulation hence reducing the mother’s fertility. This delays further pregnancies allowing full recovery after giving birth. However, the fertility period normally depends on the mother and her nursing patterns.
3. Releases Oxytocin
Breastfeeding triggers the release of a hormone known as oxytocin which causes the letdown process (a process where stored milk is released from the breast of the mother). The hormone leads to the contraction of the uterus that helps minimize the risk of bleeding.
4. Increases milk production
Breastfeeding release a hormone known as prolactin which is responsible in increasing milk production. Prolactin has a sedating and calming effect on the nursing mother. It helps to relax the mother, and also combats potential postnatal depression and baby blues as well. Actually, recent studies show that breastfeeding reduce depression and postpartum anxiety in nursing mothers.
5. Strengthens the bond between the mother and the baby
Breastfeeding is believed to strengthen the bond between the baby and the mother. Recent studies have shown that breastfeeding is advisable for nursing mothers as it strengthens their bond with the child.
Breastfeeding has its disadvantages as well, the mother does not get a chance to rest when the baby is used to this method of feeding. However, there is a solution to this; the mother can use a breast pump.