How is breastfeeding beneficial to the mother?

Faster recovery: Mothers who breastfeed are able to recover faster post birth. Happy baby happy mom: As breastfed babies are healthy and tend to cry less, they have fewer instances of childhood illnesses. A calm and happy baby will ultimately help the mom relax and get adequate rest post-birth. Emotional wellbeing: During breastfeeding, naturally soothing hormones are produced which include hormones like oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones help in stress reduction and boost positive feelings in the nursing mother. It helps her feel connected to the baby too. Weight loss: Mothers burn about 500 calories a day for the process of building and maintaining milk supply. This can lead to faster weight loss after pregnancy. Uterus contraction: The uterus enlarges during pregnancy and breastfeeding stimulates the uterus to contract and return to the normal state. Less postpartum bleeding: Postpartum bleeding generally happens due to the change of tone of uterine muscles. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding by bringing the uterus to its original size sooner. Fewer chances of postpartum depression: Many new moms experience emotional instability or feeling of worthlessness just after having the baby. It is known as postpartum depression. Breastfeeding helps in reducing the chances of postpartum depression. Reduced risk of future health issues: Studies have shown that breastfeeding may lower the risk of diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis in women.

How long do babies benefit from breast milk?

World Health Organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 2 years or longer.

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8 Benefits of breastfeeding for moms: Here’s what pediatrician Dr Santosh Kumar has to say

Team ParentCircle 3 Mins Read

Team ParentCircle

Breastfeeding is essential for the growth of newborns, but did you know about the benefits moms can derive from nursing their babies? Read on to know more

Infant to Parent

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8 Benefits of breastfeeding for moms: Here’s what pediatrician Dr Santosh Kumar has to say

“Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby and the earth” – Pamela K Wiggins, one of the pioneers in lactation consulting

A lot has been said about the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, but many new moms are not aware that breastfeeding is not just beneficial for the baby but also for the mother. The process of nursing the baby impacts the mother’s physical and mental well-being.

Listed below are some of the known health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers: 1. Faster recovery: Mothers who breastfeed are able to recover faster after childbirth.

2. Happy baby, happy mom: As breastfed babies are healthy and tend to cry less, they have fewer instances of childhood illnesses. A calm and happy baby will ultimately help the mom relax and get adequate rest after birth.

3. Emotional well-being: During breastfeeding, naturally soothing hormones like oxytocin and prolactin are produced. These hormones help reduce stress and boost positive feelings in the nursing mother. They also help her feel connected to the baby.

4. Weight loss: Mothers burn about 500 calories a day during the process of building and maintaining milk supply. This can lead to faster weight loss after pregnancy.

5. Uterus contraction: The uterus expands during pregnancy, and breastfeeding stimulates the uterus to contract and return to its normal state.

6. Less postpartum bleeding: Postpartum bleeding generally happens due to the change of tone of uterine muscles. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding by bringing the uterus to its original size sooner.

7. Fewer chances of postpartum depression: Many new moms experience emotional instability or a feeling of worthlessness just after having the baby. It’s known as postpartum depression. Breastfeeding can help reduce the chances of postpartum depression.

8. Reduced risk of health issues: Studies have shown that breastfeeding may lower the risk of diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis in women.

Babies and Breast Milk

Breastfeeding protects babies from allergies and a host of other diseases.
As breast milk is easily digested, it protects the child from constipation or diarrhea.
Breast milk also provides the baby with nutrients, antioxidants, immune properties, enzymes and live antibodies from the mother. These are easily absorbed by the baby’s body.
Breast milk contains certain substances that help soothe infants.
Breast milk also contains important antibodies that help newborns fight against viruses and bacteria.
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of gut, respiratory tract and stomach infections and also protects the baby from intestinal tissue damage.

The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for both mothers and babies. This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or beyond. And all doctors recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life as long as it’s not interrupted by any medical complications.

Breast milk not only protects your baby from chronic diseases and allergies but also has a number of benefits in store for you. If you have any concerns regarding breastfeeding, please consult your doctor and other experts for guidance.

(Dr Santosh Kumar is a consultant neonatologist and pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital, Bangalore)

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