Health Benefits for Breastfeeding Moms

Welcome to part two of our three-part blog series on the benefits of breastfeeding. In our last blog, we touched on the benefits of breastfeeding over formula in terms of cost, convenience, and nutrition, and we reviewed a long list of health benefits babies get when they breastfeed. In this blog, we’re going to explore the benefits moms receive when they nurse their children.

Did you know that moms actually receive health benefits - for the short and long-term - when they nurse their babies? According to the Cleveland Clinic moms who breastfeed have a reduced risk of:

• postpartum depression*
• (reduced future risk of) breast, ovarian, endometrial, and thyroid cancers
• osteoporosis
• cardiovascular disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

The Cleveland Clinic adds that moms who breastfeed for a year have an even lower risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes.

If that list isn’t compelling, Johns Hopkins adds the following benefits to moms. Breastfeeding

• relaxes moms
• reduces the stress of birth
• helps increase milk production
• makes feedings easier
• empowers moms

Breastfeeding also

• helps mom and baby bond – physically and emotionally; some research suggests breastfeeding may reduce social and behavioral problems in childhood and in adulthood.
• speeds recovery from child birth by releasing oxytocin which helps the uterus contract and return to its normal size and helps to reduce vaginal bleeding.
• establishes trust: moms learn their babies’ cues so they are better able to respond to their babies’ needs, and babies learn to trust their moms as their caregivers.
• is convenient: there are no bottles to sterilize, wash, prepare.
• is cheaper: you will likely need to purchase a nursing bra and nipple cream (and a pump if you plan on pumping and storing breastmilk), but formula can cost $1500-$2000 a year – or more if you need specialized formula for your child.
• may help you lose weight and return to your post-baby body more quickly. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, so it may help you lose your baby weight. However, moms need to consider a number of other factors such as how much they’re eating overall, their activity levels, and their sleep (which, let’s face it, likely won’t be great with a newborn). All of these factors come in to play as you try to lose your baby weight and regain your pre-pregnancy body. 

Isn’t it great to learn that you and your baby both can benefit when you breastfeed?! We should reiterate that breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding is YOUR choice. You should do what works best for you and your baby to give her the love, nutrition, and support – physically and emotionally – she needs to thrive.

If you’re a breastfeeding mom who is interested in pumping and storing breastmilk for later use, be sure to read our next blog on the proper methods of storing and using pumped breastmilk.

*Postpartum depression is real and can happen to any mom. It can range from a mild case of baby blues to rare, but serious, cases of postpartum psychosis. If you’re experiencing any signs of depression, be sure to talk with your doctor to get the help you may need. To learn more, read our blog on postpartum depression here.

One by One provides  mentors to walk alongside pregnant and new moms to provide support, encouragement, parenting education, and baby health, safety, growth, and development information. If you are a pregnant or new mom looking for support, you can request a mentor here.