Breast milk is the potion of health for a baby in the first few months of birth. While the baby gets nourishment from the milk, there are several benefits of breastfeeding for mothers. 

Breastfeeding makes the transition to motherhood smoother and strengthens a woman’s body. There are many ways a woman’s mind and body benefit from breastfeeding. We discuss five of the major benefits below. 

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

1. The Happiness Hormone

Breastfeeding increases the release of the hormone, oxytocin, which calms stress. It also accelerates postpartum recovery by helping the uterus return to its normal size more quickly.

2. Resistance from Rheumatoid Arthritis

As per the research conducted by Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women's Hospital, breastfeeding decreases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 50%. When a woman nurses her baby, it alters the estrogen and androgen levels that help in controlling the occurrence of this condition.

3. Protection from Diabetes

When a woman lactates, her cells become sensitive to the hormone insulin. Thus, breastfeeding helps build the body’s defense against type 2 diabetes. 

During nursing, the fat accumulation shifts from the belly to the hips and thighs, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is advisable for women with gestational diabetes to nurse their babies as it protects them from juvenile diabetes.

Read our blog on useful tips to be a healthy mom to know the foods to avoid and consume during motherhood. 

4. Strengthens Bones

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of osteoporosis. During the lactation period, the body’s ability to absorb calcium is high. As a result, the spinal and hip bones become denser and stronger after six months of childbirth.

5. No Postpartum Blues

Women who breastfeed have better bonding with their baby and feel less anxious and stressed. Fewer incidences of post-delivery depression are experienced by these mothers.

Also, breastfeeding sessions give the new mother some much-needed rest to sit and lie at regular intervals.

One of the most cherished moments in a woman’s life is when she breastfeeds her baby for the first time. It is a special experience when a mother develops a deep emotional connection with her baby. 

Breastfeeding is nature’s way of helping mothers recover quickly from childbirth and supporting the new mother’s health. It provides the perfect opportunity to bond with the baby.

Watch The Basics of Breastfeeding with Dr. Lavanya, a Pediatrician, below.

You can also watch Dr. Kshama Kamath, a Gynaecologist, talk about the importance of breast hygiene.  

Check out the Mom Care section for more blog posts on mother's health, diet, and so on.

Explore the Himalaya Wellness blog for more useful articles.