The benefits of breastfeeding for babies have long been talked about, but mothers can also benefit from its numerous health perks.
When we think about breastfeeding, it often evokes the quiet, tender moments between mother and child, the offer of vital sustenance equally functioning as a conduit for emotional connection.
So if you are a mother, you are more than aware of how powerful an exchange breastfeeding is, and how crucial it is in supporting physical health and mental development.
However, it should be noted that while attention is often centred on the advantages it provides infants, this act of love and nourishment also offers numerous benefits for the mother’s wellness.
And if you have been considering a switch to bottle-feeding, understanding these benefits can help you better decide whether breastfeeding is right not just for your little one, but for yourself too.
How Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that infants are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of their lives.
So do to stick to this, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. You will be sure to enjoy several of its accompanying benefits, including:
Postpartum Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers
A significant benefit of breastfeeding is its role in postpartum recovery.
The oxytocin released during breastfeeding can encourage the uterus to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, as well as reducing postpartum bleeding.
In addition, mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression can be a common occurrence for women following childbirth. However, the release of oxytocin can have a calming effect, and supports the regulation of mood and stress.
This means that breastfeeding does not just promote bonding, it can also create a sense of emotional wellbeing for the mother.
A Reduced Risk of Certain Health Conditions
Breastfeeding can have a rather unique effect on a woman’s body. In the long-term, it has been tied to lowering your risk of developing several chronic conditions, such as:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
It can also help regulate your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. While there is no guarantee that you will be completely free from any of these conditions, knowing that they support a longer, healthier life can be quite the motivator to keep breastfeeding, especially if it means savouring more time with your family.
Weight Loss
Breastfeeding helps burn some calories, with some of it being needed in the production of breast milk.
Research has shown that women who were breastfeeding exclusively for at least three months experienced more weight loss compared to those who breastfed non-exclusively or did not breastfeed.
So it seems that slimming down is another potential perk.
Greater Convenience and More Affordability
For you frugal moms, breastfeeding can save families a fair bit of money. Purchasing baby formula can get costly over time, while breastfeeding requires little to no monetary expenditure.
It is also incredibly convenient, with no preparation or cleanup necessary. When there is no need to pack bottles or formula, it means you can nurse your baby anywhere, anytime.
Common Difficulties for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural acts a mother can do, but that does not mean it is always easy.
Latching difficulties are one of the most common early struggles for new mothers, and it can lead to sore or cracked nipples. They might also develop engorged breasts, and potential infections like mastitis or candidiasis, which can be extremely painful.
Some mothers may also worry that they are not producing enough milk. This could be a consequence of stress, infrequent nursing, or poor attachment, among other possible causes.
Furthermore, the modern world we live in can be filled by taxing schedules. Between the demands of daily living, a mother must somehow make time to be readily available to nurse her baby, and find an appropriately private place to do it as well if she is outside or at work.
With so many hurdles to be faced, breastfeeding can end up being both physically and emotionally draining.
How to Make Breastfeeding a Little Easier
While the challenges of breastfeeding might feel discouraging, they can be made more manageable with the right support and strategies.
First of all, if you are struggling, seek help from a healthcare professional early. They can offer advice on latching and positioning, as well as milk supply concerns.
“Although exclusive breastfeeding is ideal, some mothers find that they really cannot produce enough milk,” said Dr Natalie Epton, a Specialist Paediatrician and Neonatologist at SBCC Baby & Child Clinic.
“In cases where it is medically necessary to introduce formula, it is still very valuable to continue with breastfeeding. Your baby continues to get many of the immunity benefits. And sometimes, mothers may find that their milk supply increases over time until they are able to provide most, if not all, of their baby’s needs.”
You can also consider a pump to help maintain supply.
In addition, if your nipples are sore or cracked, lanolin creams and hydrogel pads can provide relief.
Moreover, it is important to stay hydrated, and stick to a balanced diet. Breastfeeding increases your nutritional needs, so be sure to refuel accordingly. And since exhaustion can affect both the milk supply and your emotional wellbeing, take the time to rest when possible. Nap when the baby sleeps, and do not be afraid to reach out to others.
“Surround yourself with your ‘dream team’: a group of relatives, friends and professionals who feel passionately about supporting you on your journey,” urged Dr Epton.
“You may need to get yourself out there and find your support group; go and look for lactation consultants, mothers support groups, whatever village you need to feel supported.”
Support and compassion, even from within, can go a long way in keeping you and your baby happy and healthy on your breastfeeding journey.
Read More
- 10 Common Breastfeeding Mistakes Every New Mom Should Avoid
- Breastfeeding or Bottle-feeding? Pros and Cons of Each
External References
- Bjarnadottir, A. (2024, January 19). 11 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both Mom and Baby. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/11-benefits-of-breastfeeding
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, July 17). Benefits of Breastfeeding. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-benefits-of-breastfeeding
- HealthHub. (2021, July 6). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/pregnancy-breastfeeding
- Healthway Medical. (2022, August 5). CNA Health Matters: World Breastfeeding Week – Dr Natalie Epton. Retrieved from: https://healthwaymedical.com/cna-health-matters-world-breastfeeding-week-dr-natalie-epton
- Kong, K. (n.d.). Breastfeeding: Health Benefits for the Mother. HealthXchange. Retrieved from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/how-to-prevent/breastfeeding-your-baby/breastfeeding-health-benefits-mother
- Marcin, A. (2022, June 10). Here’s What You Should Know About Diabetes and Breastfeeding. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-breastfeeding
- Modak, A., Ronghe, V., & Gomase, K. P. (2023). The Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding: Fostering Maternal Well-Being and Child Development. Cureus, 15(10), e46730. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10631302/
- Unicef. (n.d.). 5 common breastfeeding problems. Retrieved from: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/5-common-breastfeeding-problems
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_2
