Breastfeeding And Benefits For The Mother

When talking about breastfeeding, it is believed that the baby is the only possible beneficiary. And yes, he gets all the nutrients and antibodies he needs for the first few months of life. In addition to the contact, the feeling of security that the mother provides and countless positive aspects. However, the truth is that breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are so important that it extends its benefits to the entire family environment.

Breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother

Breast milk supplies all the nutritional requirements of the newborn. It contains proteins, minerals, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates in the adequate proportion for the child’s digestive capacity. Its texture and consistency also allow its correct assimilation and elimination.

Breast milk is a natural food, alive and easy to digest. It also contains yeasts, antitoxins, serum and other substances that are formed through the natural process of the human body and do not need any extra means to get directly to the baby’s digestive system.

Through breastfeeding, the first and most important bond between mother and child is created. It is a unique experience for both mother and child that creates a special and powerful physical and emotional connection.

It must be understood that breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are very significant in the short and long term for her health. Correspondences have already been found between the duration of breastfeeding and a decrease of up to four times the risk of suffering from breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as from multiple urinary tract infections.

Ovulation delays

When the mother is breastfeeding, less estrogen is produced. This causes a delay in ovulation for as long as the woman is breastfeeding, and consequently menstruation does not go down. In contrast, women who choose to artificially feed the baby begin to menstruate between six and eight weeks after delivery.

Not menstruating for months leads to increased iron levels, preventing anemia and improving milk quality.

By delaying ovulation, breastfeeding becomes an effective natural contraceptive in 98-99% of the first six months postpartum. Allows the body to recover more effectively and quickly. The duration depends on the duration of breastfeeding and the amount of milk consumed by the baby.

Influence of hormones

Breastfeeding and mothering benefits are also hormonal. By increasing the levels of the hormone oxytocin, this helps to reduce postpartum bleeding and to contract the uterus for its quick return to normal size. In this way, it helps the body get back to normal faster.

By increasing the level of oxytocin while breastfeeding, the mother will be less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. This is related to the emergence of positive feelings such as love and happiness, which favors the creation of a greater connection between mother and child.

Oxytocin has a calming effect that manifests itself by reducing the stress response. In this way, it helps the mother to adapt to her new role, reducing anxiety, anguish and nervousness that this produces. This means that lactating women are less likely to suffer any type of depressive sequelae. Among other things, due to direct contact with the baby’s feeding process.

With lactation , bone remineralization occurs, which increases blood calcium levels. Which favors the prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis. During pregnancy, bones become weaker as nutrients go to the baby first.

Other advantages associated with breastfeeding

Another of the most obvious benefits is related to the economic factor, as breast milk is free and available to the baby at the right temperature. And that’s without the need for bottles and sterilization processes, free of bacteria and germs when the baby needs it and in the right amount.

Breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are also aesthetic. When breastfeeding, a woman consumes between 450-500 calories a day, which makes it possible to lose the weight gained during pregnancy more quickly. This will help you regain your silhouette after delivery.

It was proven that the fact that the long-term breast – feeding reduces the risk of hypertension in the mother. As you can see, breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are enormous and important at a physical, emotional and economic level.