4 Ways that Breastfeeding Benefits the Mother

Breastfeeding has benefits not only for a baby but for his/her mother too. Here are some of the top ways that breastfeeding benefits a mother.
1. Burning calories
Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day, which can help mother loses those extra pregnancy pounds.

2. Getting back her pre-baby tummy
Nursing stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin.

3. Rest and relaxation
Nursing requires a mother to take the time to sit down and feed her baby.

4. Reduced risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
Studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by almost 50% in breastfeeding mothers.

Mothers all around the world nurse their children. Here are three practices to get all breastfeeding benefits.
1. Breastfeed, but only when you perceive that the baby is hungry.
Babies have different styles. So don’t worry if the baby has just eaten. Nurse as often as mother and her baby like. Equally important, because breastfeeding works on the principle of supply and demand – the more milk removed from her breast, the more milk she produces - sticking to a schedule means that her baby may not nurse often enough, causing her milk production to fall. Expressing her milk can help, of course, but if mother and her baby are together, wouldn’t it be a lot easier – and more satisfying – to put her baby to her breast, rather than a pump?
2. Breastfeed, but don’t fall asleep together.
Sleeping with the baby makes nursing easier. Moreover, co-sleeping and nighttime nursing reduce breast engorgement and help prevent breast infections. But don’t fall asleep together for the safety of the baby.
3. Breastfeed, but don’t carry the baby much of the time.
It’s a lot easier to nurse when mother and her baby are together. Trust yourself and trust your baby.
Some nursing mothers may find that scheduled feedings, separate sleeping arrangements and infrequent cuddling may work for them. But chances are these practices will make breastfeeding – and parenting - less pleasurable. So listen to the baby and follow mother’s heart.

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