Health Benefits for Mothers of Breastfeeding

Most people are aware of some of the health benefits for babies that breastfeeding offers, such as protection from ear infections, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea and that it can help to reduce the risk of allergies, but many people are unaware that there are any benefits to be gained by mothers from breastfeeding.

These benefits start with the first breastfeed. The baby's initial sucking helps to contract the uterus, which in turn helps reduce the risk of haemorrhaging after birth.

The hormones released during breastfeeding are often called the "mothering hormones." They are in fact oxytocin and help to produce a relaxing and nurturing feeling for mothers while breastfeeding. New studies are showing that lactation suppresses the nervous system's hormonal response to stress, so breastfeeding helps you to stay calm in a very stressful period of your life! These hormones also help you to be more in tune with your baby and often breastfeeding mothers report that they wake just before the baby for a feed. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers who share a room with their baby also share sleep patterns, making night-time waking easier.

One of the most publicised health benefits for mothers of extended breastfeeding has to be the protection gained (up to 25% in some studies) from certain types of breast cancer. In addition, new studies are showing that mothers who breastfeed also have a reduced chance of cervical and ovarian cancers. This protection level seems to be related to the length of time spent breastfeeding with mothers who breastfeed for 25 months or more (in total) are one third less likely to contract breast cancer. Breastfeeding also helps to protect mothers from developing osteoporosis with mothers who breastfeed less likely to suffer from hip fractures in later life.

Other benefits may not seem as important compared to this but they include the fact that most mothers who follow a sensible diet manage to loose weight more quickly while breastfeeding. The emotional benefit of fitting into pre pregnancy clothes is huge (sadly this one doesn't work for all of us.) Most women who cue feed find that the return of menstruation is usually delayed while breastfeeding and if used correctly breastfeeding is a reliable contraception.

The convenience of not having to sterilise bottles, make up and heat formula also make breastfeeding a convenient choice. All you need is mum, baby and nappies to go out. It is estimated that by not having to buy artificial milk substitutes a family will save around $1,200 a year by; that is a holiday or new appliance.

Breastfeed babies also dare I say it, smell better! Due to the presence of high levels of lactic acid in human milk, which promotes healthy bacterial growth in the gut, the normal spills and nappies don't smell as badly as those of a baby fed artificial milk substitutes. This makes it so much easier to deal with the inevitable changes needed.

The ability to nurture a child through breastfeeding is a source of strength to many mothers. Simply knowing that you and only you can provide the perfect food for your baby is an empowering feeling. Yet it also gives women the long-term health benefits that may one day allow us to be there to watch our grandchildren being breastfeed, a perfect balance.

Lisa Emmerson is a mother of three and is currently a La Leche League Leader in Invercargill.