What are the breastfeeding benefits for mother and baby?

You must have heard a lot about the importance of breastfeeding. So, what are the benefits of breastfeeding to you the nursing mom? And what are the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby? Detailed answers are in this article.

dr sally.webp
Sally Al Beer
Published on:Nov 6th 2022 |Updated on:Feb 10th 2024
فوائد الرضاعة الطبيعية

Breastfeeding benefits for the mother

- Lowering the risk of certain cancers

Studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding decreases Estrogen levels, which can help in preventing cancer. The longer you breastfeed and the more children you nurse, the higher your protection from those cancers.

- Weight loss postpartum

When you breastfeed, you burn 400 to 500 calories, which will help you get back in shape faster after having a baby.

- Flattening the postpartum belly

Breastfeeding stimulates the production of Oxytocin that causes contractions which help the uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy size. This will give you the flat belly you wanted a lot faster, this is great news, especially for moms who just had a c-section.

- Decreasing the chance of postpartum depression

Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding stimulate the production of Oxytocin, also known as the happiness hormone. Holding your baby, and bonding with him or her will give you happiness and love which can easily prevent and treat postpartum depression.

- Saving money

This overlooked benefit is probably the best during tough economic times. Breast milk is 100% FREE!

- Saving time and effort

Breast milk is not only free but also always available, at the right temperature.

Benefits of breastfeeding for babies

- Stronger immunity

Breast milk and colostrum are rich in antibodies and immunity-enhancing elements. Breast milk color alters when the baby is sick as it becomes therapeutic.

- Stimulating brain development

Many studies have shown that breastfeeding stimulates brain development, it also enhances cognitive abilities as well.

- Digestive system development

- Lowering the risk of childhood obesity

Babies who exclusively feed on formula, are more prone to childhood and adult obesity. Formula milk contains sugar, which significantly increases the baby’s weight. Also, baby bottles are one of the causes behind overfeeding, due to the strong flow, compared to breastfeeding which only provides the needed amount of milk.

- Emotional stability

Babies who breastfeed are calmer and cry less, this is due to the decrease in stress they have. This emotional comfort is provided by breastfeeding and physical proximity to the mom.

Check out Top tips for breastfeeding twins

dr sally.webp
Sally Al BeerBreastfeeding Counselor & Newborn Care Specialist

Sally graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Sharjah. She moved to Ontario Canada where she worked as a pharmacist for several years. Meanwhile, she had two children and received great support from breastfeeding consultants. She enjoyed the breastfeeding journey which drove her to volunteer to help new mothers in this journey as well. She found her passion in the field of mother and baby and continued to volunteer after returning to live in the UAE, until she became an accredited breastfeeding specialist providing support to hundreds of breastfeeding mothers, by helping them overcome the challenges of breastfeeding.

Related post