This month is designated as National Nutrition month. Therefore, it is fitting to discuss how breastfeeding your baby can be beneficial to a woman’s health. Breastfeeding, at times, heavily focuses on the benefits for the baby and typically we know it helps with a mother’s weight loss! Weight loss is great and a great reason to breastfeed, but let’s dig a little deeper. Breastfeeding assists with healing after pregnancy, meaning the uterus contracts faster to return to its original size sooner. Additionally, breastfeeding can be a natural form of “birth control” for women in the first few months post-partum. This is achieved only when the mother is breastfeeding on demand throughout the day and more specifically throughout the night. Breastfeeding also has been shown to decrease the risks of moms being diagnosed with breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type II diabetes. These benefits of course are most prevalent in mothers who breastfeed for one year or more.
As we all know, becoming a parent can be an exciting but stressful time. Did you know that moms are more likely to be in a better mood when they breastfeed? Caring for someone other than yourself or tending to a spouse is much different when a person is completely dependent upon your care. However, mothers that breastfeed are said to be much happier. The hormone oxytocin plays a tremendous role in the birthing of a child and it is still a critical component once the child is born. The connection from baby to breast releases this hormone allowing a mother to feel more at ease during and after a feeding session. There is no question that breastfeeding is the most amazing and best way to nurture and feed your baby. There should be satisfaction in knowing not only am I protecting my child, I am also helping to protect myself.
I actually just shared my breastfeeding journey on my blog today! I nursed my daughter for 14 months and am still nursing my 12 month old son. It was hard, but so worth it.
It’s very heartwarming to read blog posts like yours. I started breastfeeding with my 4th child at the suggestion of some older ladies in my congregation. It truly has a very nutritious value for babies. Thanks for sharing.
I breastfed my kids. I am glad that I did.
I breastfed my kids and I am so glad that I did. It was a good experience!
I am a firm believer in breastfeeding, even if you have to supplement with formula. SO much goodness in mother’s milk that helps with development and boosting their immune system.
I breastfed my first 3 and exclusively pumped for my 4th because she wouldn’t nurse no matter what. I am a strong breastfeeding advocate.
I loved breastfeeding my kids. I have almost 4 years of breastfeeding under my belt with my three kids. I wish I could still do it but I am done having kids. It was a magical time and it is amazing.
I nursed both my kids; 14 months for my oldest, and 22 months for my youngest
Breatfeeding is definitely important and more than just “an option” – except for the few who have actual REAL allergies, it is absolutely the best way to give nutrition to baby!
So glad to see the great feedback! My oldest son I nursed for one year and my twins for 19 months. If we had birthed another I probably would have nursed two years or beyond…some of my most precious moments as a mother! I certainly miss those times…they are now 4 and twins are 2 1/2…Keep being champions for other mommies and keeping them encouraged!
Great information! I had very little ppd when I was able to breastfeed. So many amazing benefits!
I know not everyone had the same experience, but I really did enjoy much of my time breastfeeding my kids.