Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms
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We learned via AskDrSears that nursing may be tough at first, but it offers many benefits for moms. Check out these benefits below and learn how you can gain support at Community Well!
Benefits:
1. Reduces the risk of breast cancer.
The article found that "Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 25 percent. " They found that the reduction in cancer risk comes from the "proportion to the cumulative lifetime duration of breastfeeding." Therefore, the more months or years a mom breastfeeds, the lower her risk of cancer.
2. Reduces the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
The article found that "One of the reasons for the cancer-fighting effects of breastfeeding is that estrogen levels are lower during lactation." So, the less estrogen available to "stimulate the lining of the uterus and perhaps breast tissue, the lesser the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
3. Lessens osteoporosis.
The article found that non-breastfeeding women have four times the greater chance to develop osteoporosis than breastfeeding women and more likely to suffer from "hip fractures in the post-menopausal years."
4. Promotes emotional health.
Breastfeeding benefits your body but also your mind. Moms who breastfeed show less postpartum anxiety and depression than moms who use formula to feed their baby.
5. Promotes postpartum weight loss.
The article found that, "Breastfeeding mothers showed significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and more fat loss by one month postpartum when compared with formula-feeding moms." Also, breastfeeding moms tend to meet their pre-pregnant weight quicker.
Are you interested in learning more about breastfeeding benefits? Drop in to our weekly lactation clinics! Come meet other nursing parents and discuss breastfeeding success and challenges. Get tips and tricks from a Registered Lactation Consultant while meeting others in your community.