Breastfeeding: Benefits for Mom

It's easy for moms to look at their little one and decide that breast really is best. All the health benefits for baby are amazing and incredible. Click here to read about many benefits to baby of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. But here is some more great news: breastfeeding isn't just good for baby ... it's good for mom, too!

1. Weight Loss. Okay, it might not be the most important reason to keep breastfeeding, but it definitely is a motivating one! I gained 48 pounds while pregnant with Little Bear. I went from a size 4/6 jeans to a size 14. It seemed that no matter how healthy I ate, the pounds just kept packing on! The female body knows what it needs to do to carry a baby - and gaining weight is part of the process. Two weeks after Little Bear was delivered, though, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever fit into my pre-pregnancy pants again. Suddenly, around month three, the weight just started falling off. And falling off. And falling off. Weight loss typically peaks during months 3-6. As Little Bear grew and required me to make more milk for her - my body started burning calories like crazy. Breastfeeding can burn between 200-500 calories/day. That's like going out and running several miles - every day!

Some things to remember: Your body needs lots of calories the first two months after delivery! Don't restrict calories to try and lose weight at this time. Doing so could interfere with your milk supply. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Click here for more information.

2. Uterine Contractions. The sooner a baby is put to her mother's breast after delivery, the better. There are several reasons for this, but one of them is to start uterine contractions. Stimulation of the nipples causes a release of oxytocin in the mother. Oxytocin works naturally on the body to begin uterine contractions. And why is this a good thing? In the first few hours, these contractions will help seal off blood vessels in the uterine walls, lessening the amount of bleeding you experience overall. Over the next 4-6 weeks, these contractions will help the uterus shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size. Each time your little one suckles at the breast the first few weeks, you may be aware of cramping in your abdomen. This is not only normal - it's good! The drug pitocin was introduced as a man-made alternative to oxytocin. Pitocin also works to contract the uterus after delivery. It is often times given to women after delivery. But why even bother with a man-made alternative when we have the real thing built into our own bodies! Pitocin can have the following side-effects: anaphylactic reaction, postpartum hemorrhage, nausea, vomiting, pelvic hematoma, hypertensive episodes, heart arrhythmias. Oxytocin made in a woman's body has no side effects! So start nursing and get the oxytocin flowing!

3. Reduced Cancer Risk. Here is perhaps my favorite reason for women to breastfeed - other than for the health of the baby, of course. Research done over the past 10-15 years is showing that breastfeeding can significantly reduce a woman's risk of getting breast, ovarian, uterine, and edometrial cancers. And even better news: the longer you breastfeed, the lower the risks. Breastfeeding for a total of 6 years throughout your lifetime (if you have 3 children, that's 2 years for each child ... which is the World Health Organization's recommendation) decreases your risk of breast cancer 63%. That's huge. So here's to less cancer and more breastfeeding!

4. Increased Bone Density. This one is a bit counter-intuitive. One might think that all that nursing and providing nutrients to your little one would actually decrease bone density. And actually, it does, for a while. But studies show that upon weaning, a woman's bone density actually increases again.  In a culture where osteoporosis is rampant, this is a good thing (one might also consider giving up those diet sodas that can also cause a loss in bone mineral density - but that is another topic altogether). Dr. Sears states that "non-breastfeeding women have a four times greater chance of developing osteoporosis than breastfeeding women and are more likely to suffer from hip fractures in post-menopausal years."

5. Oxytocin (the "love hormone"). Every time your baby suckles at your breast, oxytocin rushes through your body. It not only helps in the uterine contractions ... it is also considered the "love" or "bonding" hormone. Oxytocin helps reduce post-partum anxiety and depression. It also can help a mother to relax and adjust to all the changes a new baby brings into her life. Oxytocin is a tremendous hormone and anything that helps us get more of it on a regular basis is a good thing!

6. Natural Birth Control. Exclusively breastfeeding can actually work as a natural birth control for the first 6 months, and in some cases, much longer! One must be following what is called the lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) of family planning, however, for it to be effective. If followed, this method has been shown to be over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Here is information on LAM. Be aware of all the specifications that must be met ... women in our culture rarely meet all of them and therefore should not rely solely on LAM for birth control (for example: using a breastpump on a regular basis does not meet the specifications).

7. Saving Money/Convenience. Formula for a baby costs anywhere from $60-$250/month, depending on the brand and type of formula you choose. Wow. Breastfeeding literally costs you $0/month. Even if you factor in the cost of buying a breastpump, you are still saving big time by breastfeeding. The convenience of breastfeeding, in my opinion, cannot be overstated. Whether we decide to go for a drive, take Little Bear on a long hike, or are out to dinner with friends, I never have to think about packing a bottle for Little Bear. Having an instant supply of food for our little ones is another wonderful advantage!

8. Time Together. They grow so darned fast. I can't believe Little Bear turned 7 months yesterday. She has started eating solids and skips 2 breastfeeding sessions each day. Soon, I know, she'll need me even less. I cherish, more than ever, our nursing time together. I love watching her when she finally gets to latch on ... her eyes close and her breathing becomes calm and content. Her little fingers stroke my skin and I can feel her heart beating against mine. I know that all too soon these intimate moments will be nothing more than fond memories. She won't remember these times together, but I will remember them even when I'm old and grey. It's easy to get caught up in the crazy business of our culture. Our forced quiet times together helps me to slow down, enjoy the present, and remember what an incredible gift and blessing it is to be a mom.