However, in today’s age, there are many who recommends formula milk over mother’s milk. Breastfeeding is actually a two way process that benefits both the mother and the new born baby. While the mother’s milk is known to be perfect food for babies, it also benefits the mother in various ways.
Astro Ulagam list down the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers!
Stronger bones
Women who do not breastfeed have a 4 times higher chance in developing post-menopausal osteoporosis than those who breastfeed. This is because, when a mother is lactating, her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently. This makes her bone denser and stronger for many years to come!
Reduces the risk of cancer
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer as much as 25 percent. The reduction of cancer risk is related to the cumulative lifetime duration of breastfeeding, that is, the more months or years a mother breastfeeds, the lower the risk of obtaining these cancerous diseases.
Encourages weight lost
Weight gain during pregnancy is normal but most mothers face difficulty in losing it post-delivery. Research has shown mothers that breastfeed lost more weight than those who do not breastfeed.
Combat iron deficiency
It is very common among Indian mothers to face iron deficiency post-delivery. Continuous breastfeeding delays menstruation and therefore prevents the loss of iron in the body. New mothers are highly recommended to take iron pills for about three months post-delivery to combat iron deficiency.
Ensures a better healing
Oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract, thus reducing post-delivery blood loss. Breastfeeding also aids in returning the size of the uterus much faster at about six weeks post-delivery, as compared to 10 weeks if you do not breastfeed.
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