Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your baby and it is beneficial to the mom as well . The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommends breastfeeding.  It is the ideal nutrition for babies. It contains antibodies which helps the baby fight off  infection. It is also easily digestible.  Breastfed  infants  gain the right amount of weight and their risk of SIDS is reduced. The mother also benefits from breastfeeding.

Benefits of breastfeeding for mom

1. Reduces the risk of cancer :  Breastfeeding is known to reduce the mother’s risk of  breast and ovarian cancers  later in life.
2. Promotes postpartum weight loss : Breastfeeding  burns extra calories and helps mom lose weight faster.
3. Reduces postpartum bleeding : Oxytocin  is a hormone that is released during breastfeeding . This hormone  helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduces  uterine bleeding after delivery .
4.  Helps in spacing babies : Exclusive breastfeeding delays ovulation and serves as a natural way of spacing your children. Exclusive breastfeeding can serve as natural form of birth control if the baby is breastfed day and night and is less than 6 months old.
5. Reduces the risk of certain medical condition : Nursing your baby is known to reduce your risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
6. Less expensive : Breast milk is free and less expensive compared to formula. It also saves times because there is no preparation needed. It is readily available.
7. Nursing gives mothers emotional satisfaction that they have done something good for their child. It also helps mother and newborn bond better.

 
Content Sources