Breastfeeding benefits for mom
Breastfeeding has benefits for both you and your baby. Not only does it provide your baby with the most nutritionally complete food possible, but it’s also good for Mom.
How breastfeeding helps you
Experts point out that besides being the best choice of nutrition for your baby, breastfeeding also helps mom by:
- Stimulating hormone production. Besides helping release the milk from your breasts, the hormone oxytocin will cause your uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. It also will reduce the amount of postpartum bleeding so you will have less menstrual blood loss during the first few months after your baby arrives.
- Burning calories. Breastfeeding helps burn extra calories and lower your fat stores, enabling you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly—without dieting.
- Creating bonding. Breastfeeding brings you and your baby together. While you’re breastfeeding your newborn, you’ll spend a great deal of time together. This is the perfect chance for the two of you to get to know each other. As you cuddle, the skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye contact provides a unique closeness that you can build on as your baby grows.
- Providing rest time. Breastfeeding gives you a chance to rest. The time when you’re breastfeeding baby is made to order for putting your feet up and escaping the hustle and bustle of the day for a few moments.
- Being inexpensive and convenient. Little equipment to buy and breastfeeding can be done almost anywhere and anytime so many moms find it to be the ideal way to feed their babies.
Did you know?
Cow’s milk is not recommended before your baby is 1 year old. Medical experts note that the only acceptable alternative to breastmilk during the first year is iron-fortified infant formula.
Products
GERBER® NUK® Orthodontic Wide Neck Bottles & Nipples (BPA FREE)
Now there’s a bottle that simulates breastfeeding.
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