Breastfeeding And The Benefits For The Mother
When talking about breastfeeding, it is believed that the baby is the only possible beneficiary. And yes, you get all the nutrients and antibodies you need in the first months of life. Also the contact, the sense of security that the mother provides and countless other positive aspects.
However, the truth is that breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are so important that they extend their benefits to the entire family environment.
Breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother
Breast milk covers all the nutritional requirements of the newborn. It contains proteins, minerals, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates in the right proportion for the digestive capacity of the child. Its texture and consistency also allow its correct assimilation and elimination. It has proven to be the best possible food for the baby.
This breast milk is a natural, live and easy to digest food. It also contains ferments, antitoxins, serum and other substances that have only required the natural process of the human body to conform and do not require any extra means to reach the baby’s digestive system directly.
Through breastfeeding , the first and most important bond between mother and child is created. It provides a unique experience for mother and child, creating a special and powerful physical and emotional connection.
It should be understood that breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are very significant for health in the short and long term. This is evidenced by a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Coincidences have been found between breastfeeding time and a four-fold reduction in the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as multiple urinary tract infections.
Delayed ovulation
When the mother is breastfeeding, less estrogen is produced. This causes ovulation to be delayed for as long as the woman is breastfeeding, and therefore menstruation does not come. In contrast, women who choose to artificially feed their baby menstruate again between six and eight weeks after delivery.
Not having menstruation for months causes iron levels to remain high, thus preventing anemia and improving milk quality.
By delaying ovulation, breastfeeding becomes a 98-99% effective natural contraceptive in the first six months postpartum. This allows the body to recover more effectively and quickly. The duration depends on how long you breastfeed and the amount of milk your baby consumes.
Influence of hormones
Breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are also hormonal. By increasing the levels of the hormone oxytocin, it helps reduce postpartum bleeding and contract the uterus for its soon return to normal size. In this way, it helps the body return to normal sooner.
As oxytocin levels rise while breastfeeding, the mother will be less prone to 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. This helps the mother to adapt to her new role, removing the anxiety, anguish and nervousness that this produces. This means that lactating women are less likely to suffer from any type of depressive sequelae. Among other things, due to direct contact with the baby’s food process.
Bone remineralization occurs with breastfeeding , which increases calcium levels in the blood. What favors the prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis. During pregnancy the bones weaken as nutrients go first to the baby.
Other advantages associated with breastfeeding
Another of the most obvious benefits is related to the economic factor, since breast milk is free and available to the baby at the right temperature. And this without the need for bottles and sterilization processes, free of bacteria and germs when the baby has it and the amount he needs.
Breastfeeding and the benefits to the mother are also aesthetic. Breastfeeding a woman consumes between 450 – 500 calories a day, which allows her to lose the weight gained during pregnancy more quickly. This will help you regain your silhouette after delivery.
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension in the mother in the long term. As can be seen, breastfeeding and the benefits for the mother are numerous and important on a physical, emotional and economic level.
