Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift for you as well as your baby.
Release of Good Hormones
Many mothers feel fulfillment and joy from the physical and emotional communion they experience with their child while nursing. These feelings are augmented by the release of hormones, such as:
- Prolactin:Produces a peaceful, nurturing sensation that allows you to relax and focus on your child.
- Oxytocin:Promotes a strong sense of love and attachment between the two of you.
These pleasant feelings may be one of the reasons so many women who have breastfed their first child choose to breastfeed the children who follow.
Health Benefits
Breastfeeding provides health benefits for mothers beyond emotional satisfaction.
- Mothers who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding.
- Studies show that women who have breastfed experience reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
- Some studies have found that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of the mother’s menstrual period, which can help extend the time between pregnancies. (Note: Exclusive breastfeeding can provide a natural form of contraception if the mother’s menses have not returned, the baby is breastfeeding day and night, and the baby is less than six months old.)
Last Updated 7/25/2016
Source New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding, 2nd Edition (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
