Erica McClannahan, RN, BSN, IBCLC

While the benefits of breast milk for babies are becoming well-known around the world (they do call it liquid gold for a reason), there are also many amazing advantages for moms themselves!  All the good antibodies and enzymes in breast milk help protect babies from a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, but the act of breastfeeding itself also reduces the risk of severe disorders for mothers, including some cancers! Once you have a baby, it’s easy to always put their needs first, but breastfeeding is one thing you can do both for your baby and yourself to keep both of you happy and healthy. 

Physical Benefits

As soon as your baby is born, they will likely be ready to go to the breast and latch for the first time.  As they suckle on your breast, it releases the hormone oxytocin, which plays an essential role in lactation and milk letdown.  But did you know oxytocin also helps contract your uterus to control your bleeding?  Many moms say they feel their uterus contracting when their baby feeds, which is an excellent sign that the hormones are doing their job! Not only does this help prevent excessive bleeding postpartum, but it also helps your uterus return to its normal size and prevents anemia. 

Since your body is hard at work creating those precious nutrients for your baby, it burns up to 700 extra calories a day which can help you lose weight and get your pre-pregnancy body back faster.  For more info on this topic, check out our article here. 

There are still so many mysteries as to how the act of breastfeeding can have so many powerful benefits.  Many studies show that breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of a slew of disorders, such as breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Talk about a one-hit wonder! I’m sure the research has just begun to scratch the surface of all the benefits of lactation for the human body. 

Emotional Benefits

That special hormone oxytocin not only plays a positive role in your body but also for your emotions!  In fact, its nickname is the love hormone because it’s released from the pituitary gland when you bond with others and fall in love.  It offers a feeling of calmness and well-being- who doesn’t love that? Breastfeeding is one of the most remarkable ways for you to bond and make a special connection with your baby.  Dads can also experience this with skin-to-skin time, as cuddling releases oxytocin! 

Reduces the Risk of Postpartum Depression

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk for postpartum depression- likely due to the role of oxytocin and the regulation of your postpartum hormones.  Moms also report that in the long term, their stress levels are lower when they choose to breastfeed because there is no preparation involved for feeding.  No water to warm, powders to mix, or bottles to clean.  This reduces the number of steps to just one- latch baby and go!  

Conclusion

There is still so much to discover about the wonders of breastfeeding, and your dedication reaps so many benefits for you and your little one!  You do so much to put your baby first, but this is one act that honors both your and your child’s wellness.  We are here to support you on that journey- so don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized guidance.