Breastfeeding Does a Mother Good

Before I get into some tips on breastfeeding in the first few days after delivery, I need to backtrack a bit.  We've taken a look at some of the reasons breast milk and breastfeeding are so healthful for the baby.  However, I've barely mentioned how breastfeeding is good for the mother.

Breastfeeding over months, vs. days, is associated with reduction in the following risks.  In other words, formula feeding increases these risks for mothers:

Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Uterine cancer
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Type 2 Diabetes
Alzheimer's Dementia
Cardiovascular Disease

The longer the mother breastfeeds, and the more children she breastfeeds, the greater the protection.

About 10 years ago, I read where one study found that women healed more quickly from birth related injuries (episiotomy, tears, C-section incision) when they breastfed, although the reason was unclear.

God's design not only includes nutrition, and protection for the infant, but He planned breastfeeding as a way to provide protection for mothers.  What a loving God we serve!

He also planned a way to help women deal with the demands of mothering little ones.  Prolactin, a hormone related to milk production, also causes a sense of relaxation, and even sleepiness in the mother.  Even though she may have to stop in the middle of a task to feed the baby, there is a reward for doing so.  This emotional and physiological perk helps her deal with what could be a frustrating interruption.  One La Leche Leader I knew many years ago said the prolactin was better than Valium!  At  least it is free and does not cause addiction.  Some researcher also believe it brings out "mothering" feelings.  All of these benefits, which seem to be for the mother, could also be for the baby.  A nursing mother is probably less likely to shake or otherwise hurt her baby because of the effects of prolactin.

Working mothers will miss fewer days of work because the baby is less likely to become sick enough to require her to stay at home.  That in itself prevents stress.  Also, prolactin is released during pumping or hand expression, so those little relaxation breaks can really be appreciated on stressful days at work.

Breastfeeding literature mentions weight loss as a benefit.  This could depend on the length of time mom breastfeeds.  The longer the baby is breastfed, to more likely weight loss will occur.  At first, mom's body may even hold on to fat stores laid down in pregancy in order to provide food for the baby in case there is "famine".  As the baby grows, and takes more calories from milk, mom's weight begins to melt away, assuming she is not increasing her calorie intake too much.

Women who are breastfeeding should never reduce their daily calorie intake below 1500 kcals.  Exercise is recommended to help with weight loss.  Taking baby for a walk a few times a week burns calories. Exercise releases endorphins in mom to increase her sense of well being. Taking walks outside provides some Vitamin D from the exposure to the sun.

Use wisdom in how much sun exposure you allow for baby and yourself.  You probably should cover the baby's head with a hat on hot, sunny days. Let baby's arms and legs be the location for the "Vitamin D factory".  Climate, season, and length of time outside can effect how much UV rays mom and baby receive.  Plan accordingly.  There is some concern that using sun block can prevent the synthesis of Vitamin D.  Try to find the balance between some and too much sun exposure.  

Moms who desire to exercise extensively may want to feed their babies, then exercise.  Lactic acid, a    byproduct of energy used by the muscles during exercise, can build up in the milk. It takes a little time for it to be reabsorbed into mom's system.  By the time baby is ready to feed again, the baby is less likely to refuse the breast due to the bad taste of "lactic acid milk".

One benefit many women mention is the convenience breastfeeding offers to a busy mom.  All a mom has to do is grab a diaper and the baby and go to the store, out to the park, and so one.

There is no need to worry about running out of formula.  Power outages are not a problem.  Empty store shelves which often occur during local emergencies don't worry the breastfeeding mother.  There have been incidences where the mother and baby were stranded for days or weeks due to bad weather.  Breastfeeding babies fair better in those types of situations because its food is always fresh and available. 

The cost of formula impacts the family budget in a significant way.  Buying formula can cost up to $3000 per year, depending the type of formula the doctor recommends.  On top of that, add the costs of medications, doctor visits, and even some hospitalizations and surgeries because the baby did not receive the anti-infection protection of human milk.

With breastfeeding, there is less stress on the family finances.  In fact, if mom needs one or two new appliances, such as a washer and dryer, saving on the cost of formula can pay for the purchase!  Or, the family can better afford to take trips together, and so on.

Many women describe a special bond with their babies which results from the closeness required to breastfeed.  Some women have been able to pick up on the fact that something was wrong with their little one.  Breastfeeding's intimate contact helped them sense something was not quite right, and babies were treated for an illness or disorder sooner than could have occurred with bottle feeding.

One of my favorite experiences was seeing my baby smile while at my breast, and then see the milk I had produced flow out of the side of his mouth during that brief "I love being with you, Mom" smile.  Of course, the hormones released by nursing probably helped that feeling of my melting heart, but I know my baby simply enjoyed the closeness to his mother and the sweet taste of my milk.  Now, that's a wonderful benefit, available only to a breastfeeding mother.