Alright friends, get ready because we’re diving headfirst into the wild (and sometimes challenging) world of nursing and breastfeeding! It’s so much more than just feeding and bonding, breastfeeding is like a superpower packed with perks for both mamas and babes. From stronger immunity to calorie burning that would make a superhero jealous, nursing is next level. Come along as we list the top 10 health boosts backed by research. Get ready to be wowed and motivated by just how amazing breastfeeding is! From protecting babies from illness to benefits that last a lifetime, you’ll see why nursing is truly a super mama move.
- Optimal Nutrition for Your Baby: Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that are vital for the healthy growth and development of infants. Scientific research has consistently demonstrated that babies who are breastfed have a lower likelihood of encountering infections, allergies, and long-term illnesses. One extensive study conducted across 59 countries and involving over 25,000 mother-baby pairs revealed that exclusive breastfeeding for a duration of 6 months resulted in fewer hospital visits due to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, in comparison to those who received a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding.
- Faster Postpartum Recovery: Faster Recovery After Birth: Nursing is very helpful for recovering more quickly after having a baby. The hormone oxytocin released while breastfeeding helps decrease bleeding after birth and get the uterus back to its normal size. Studies show that exclusively nursing can do this in around 3 months, whereas a mix of nursing and bottle or just bottles takes about 6 months. Beyond that, breastfeeding also helps with weight loss by burning extra calories and making it easier to lose stubborn fat put on during pregnancy. One study found that moms who only nursed for 6 months lost more body fat and kept less tummy fat compared to those who just bottle fed.
- Reduced Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers. One analysis of over 60 studies found that women who had ever breastfed had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who had never breastfed. A comprehensive meta-analysis found that each additional year of breastfeeding is associated with a 4.3% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. The protective effect was even greater for women who began breastfeeding before their first full-term pregnancy, with a 7.4% reduction for each year of breastfeeding. This supports the hypothesis that the differentiation of breast tissue during lactation provides protection against carcinogenesis.
- Enhanced Bonding and Emotional Well-being: The act of breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact, which releases hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, fostering a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. Research shows that oxytocin levels are higher in breastfeeding mothers compared to formula-feeding mothers, correlating with more responsive maternal behaviors. These hormones induce feelings of relaxation, reduce stress, and contribute to overall maternal well-being. One study found lower rates of postpartum depression in breastfeeding mothers versus formula-feeding mothers at 3 months postpartum, suggesting the psychological benefits of breastfeeding.
- Calorie Burning and Weight Loss: Breastfeeding requires energy, and this leads to calorie burning. Research suggests that breastfeeding burns extra calories in the range of 500-700 calories/day depending on demand from the infant. This additional calorie expenditure aids in postpartum weight loss. One study found that women who breastfed exclusively for 6 months lost more weight than women who formula fed by 6 months postpartum. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of both mother and baby in order to support lactation. Consumption of an additional 500 calories per day has been shown to support the production of breastmilk.
- Protection Against Postpartum Depression: Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to experience postpartum depression. One study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing found that breastfeeding mothers had significantly lower Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scores at 4 weeks and 8 weeks postpartum compared to mothers who did not breastfeed. A meta-analysis of data from 12 countries also found an inverse association between levels of breastfeeding and postpartum depressive symptoms. The protective impact of breastfeeding may result from increased levels of oxytocin and prolactin associated with lactation that buffer stress responses.
- Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in mothers. A large prospective study involving over 12,000 women found a clear dose-dependent relationship between duration of breastfeeding and risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Women who breastfed for a total duration of 12 months or more over their lifetime had a 15-20% lower risk of adult-onset diabetes compared to women who never breastfed or breastfed for less time. The protective effect of breastfeeding may result from weight control benefits leading to less fat accumulation in the abdomen and liver.
- (Possible) Natural Contraceptive Effect: Exclusive breastfeeding, known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), can act as a natural form of contraception when practiced correctly. A study following over 500 lactating women found that with exclusive breastfeeding (no supplements or solids) and periods have not returned, the 6-month cumulative pregnancy rate was only 1.4%. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin released during breastfeeding stimulate the hypothalamus to suppress ovulation. LAM meets the criteria of breastfeeding on demand day and night, without supplements of any type (no water, food or formula), and the baby’s period of amenorrhea must be less than 6 months postpartum. When these conditions are met, breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and delay the return of fertility effectively. However, we always recommend you discuss family planning with your doctor or healthcare provider.
- Stronger Bones and Lower Risk of Osteoporosis: Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for maternal bone health. Although breastfeeding requires calcium, studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers have a higher peak bone mass compared to formula feeding mothers. A longitudinal study following over 500 women found that those who had a longer lifetime duration of breastfeeding had higher bone mineral density of the hip nearly 15 years after weaning. This higher peak bone mass achieved during reproductive years appears to offer lifelong protection against osteoporosis. Another study found that women with a history of lactation had a 24% lower risk of hip fracture and a 17% lower risk of other non-vertebral fractures compared to women who never breastfed.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. A large study that adjusted for major risk factors found a clear dose-response relationship between duration of lifetime breastfeeding and risk of cardiovascular disease, with up to 12 months of breastfeeding associated with a 12% reduction in risk. This study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women who breastfed for a longer duration had multivariably-adjusted lower odds of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels later in life compared to shorter duration/never breastfeeding. The protective effect of breastfeeding may be due to its positive effect on glucose metabolism and suppression of inflammation.
Breastfeeding offers an array of health benefits for both mother and baby. From providing optimal nutrition to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, breastfeeding is a powerful tool for promoting well-being. Additionally, the calorie burning aspect of breastfeeding can contribute to postpartum weight loss. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support. Embrace the incredible power of breastfeeding and enjoy the beautiful bond it creates between you and your little one!
