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The Benefits of Breast-Feeding
The Baby
Breast-feeding is very healthy for both the mother and the baby.
While breast-feeding protects the baby against various illnesses
and provides excellent nutrition, it also has many benefits for the
mother.
The Mother
One of the most important benefits for breast feeding mothers is
the emotional bond that it creates with the baby. In terms of
medical benefits, women who breast-feed have a lower incidence
of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Breast feeding mothers are
also less likely to become obese or to develop calcium problems
later in life. There is new evidence that suggests that breast
feeding mothers also help to lower their blood pressure.
During breast-feeding, the mother's body produced a hormone
called oxytocin. A recent study correlated higher levels of oxytocin
with lower blood pressures. It appears that oxytocin, in addition to
having a role in the release of milk, may also interact with the
stress response systems of the body. Oxytocin is also thought to
put women in a better mood and increase their pain tolerance.
This may explain why many women report feeling more relaxed
after nursing. It may be the oxytocin talking. Just one more reason
to breast-feed your baby. Of course, there's less formula and
bottles to deal with. That will decrease a new mom's stress levels
too.
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