Benefits of breastfeeding for mother

1. Breastfeeding makes you slimmer

Breastfeeding can help the mother to burn away the excess fat accumulated during pregnancy. It can prevent the nursing mother from developing postpartum obesity. Statistics show that breastfeeding can help the mother to burn 500 calories of energy daily.

In a study led by a team of scientists from the Centre for Health and Society, Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark, results show that if women exclusively breastfed for six months as recommended by the World Health Organization,  postpartum weight retention will be significantly reduced.

2. Breastfeeding reduces risk of diseases and cancer

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of diseases. Some studies show that breastfeeding mothers are less likely to suffer from ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer. Breastfeeding can also lower the risk of diabetes for the nursing mother.

A study with result published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that breastfeeding can cut the breast cancer by up to 91%.

3. Breastfeeding lowers risk of heart attack and stroke

Researchers from the UK and China examined health data from more than 280,000 Chinese women; research shows that breastfeeding may reduce their risk of having a heart attack and stroke later in life by 9 % and 8% respectively. The researcher attributes this to the fact that breastfeeding eliminates the stored fat faster and more thoroughly. 

4. Faster recovery   

3. Breastfeeding can also promote uterine contraction which can help the uterus to return to its original size. It also helps to reduce vaginal bleeding and prevent anemia.

5. Breastfeeding and Osteoporosis

According to a search by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, nursing mothers lose three to five percent of their bone mass. The longer you breastfeed, the more bone mass you lose.

However, according to UNICEF, a research study of both breastfeeding and non-lactating women found that while the nursing women had increased bone loss during lactation, after weaning, the women will regain their bone mass. Another study reported by UNICEF found that women who breastfeed increase bone mass above their baseline level after weaning; this, therefore, shows that breastfeeding can help nursing mothers to absorb calcium more effectively, preventing osteoporosis.

6. Breastfeeding prevents depression

Study shows that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of the postpartum depression. Oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding, is a powerful antidepressant.

A review by the National Institute of Health shows that women who never breastfeed or who stopped breastfeeding early on had a higher risk of postpartum depression.

7. Other benefits of breastfeeding

Less time off work. A breastfed baby is healthier and has a stronger immune system. This means your baby will fall sick less often and is easier to be taken care of.

Better friendship. Breastfeeding helps mothers to share experience and cultivate relationships with other moms.