World Breastfeeding Week 2015: 8 ways breastfeeding keeps the mother healthy

While breastfeeding helps the baby get all the nourishment and nutrition, it is also beneficial for the mother in many ways. But seldom does anyone talk about how this natural act of mothering benefits mothers. Breastfeeding is a two way process that provides both the mother and the baby with lots of health benefits. While breast milk is considered to be the perfect food for the baby, which quenches her thirst and hunger and has the right mix of nutrients, it also helps the mother in various ways. Here's how:

It lowers the risk of bleeding after delivery: A breast crawl right after the delivery helps your baby get her first feed. This act not only ensures that the newborn gets her share of nutrients and food to satiate and satisfy her hunger after the arduous process of childbirth, but also helps reduce the bleeding from the uterus that happens right after delivery and initiates the process of expelling the placenta out of the womb, to mark the completion of labour, says Sonali Shivlani, an Internationally Certified Pregnancy, Lactation and Child Nutrition Counselor. Know more about the amazing benefits of a breast crawl.

It helps combat iron deficiency: Iron deficiency is very common among Indian mothers. Continuous breastfeeding reduces this risk and delays menstruation thereby preventing iron loss through menstrual flow. However, mothers are advised to take their iron pills for at least three months post delivery. Read to know why you should have your iron pills during pregnancy.

It lowers risk of conception: Conceiving for the second time soon after the delivery isn t ideal either for the mother, the baby or even the unborn child. It can cause undue psychological stress to the mother and the baby, put the health of the unborn child at risk and interfere with the growth and development in the womb. But exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after childbirth along with an absence of menstruation acts as a protection and lowers the chances of conceiving soon after a pregnancy. However, it is sensible to use other family planning methods to ensure a considerable gap between two pregnancies for obvious reasons. Here are 11 ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

It reduces risk of cancer: Many studies support the theory that breastfeeding delays the onset of certain cancers like ovarian and breast cancer in breastfeeding mothers, says Sonali. Read to know how breast feeding reduces the risk of cancer.

It helps you lose post-pregnancy weight: Weight gain during pregnancy is acceptable, but when all that weight stays put post delivery it s a bit difficult to deal with. Fat accumulation during pregnancy helps the mother deal with the stresses and strains of pregnancy and the demands of the baby. Post delivery the best way to get all that fat out of the body is to breastfeed, as this will utilize the fat stored in different parts of the body for the production of breast milk. Also read five ways to lose weight post a C-section.

It contracts the uterus considerably: Constant suckling by the baby at the breast helps in the secretion of certain hormones that shrink the enlarged uterus and get it back to its original size, says Sonali. Though this may vary from person to person but you definitely will have a tummy that won t look like your baby-bump even after eight weeks of pregnancy.

It is more convenient than formula: Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, it is a personal choice. But remember breastfeeding is more convenient, economical and nutritious for your baby. Moreover you do not have to put in all that hard work of sterilizing, mixing the formula and wondering if you are holding the bottle right all the time while feeding. Breastfeeding happens naturally and needs nothing more than your presence and your precious organs. Also read six things you need to know about formula feeding.

It helps in the process of bonding: Breastfeeding gives you and your baby a chance to enjoy enough skin-to-skin contact that initiates the bonding process between the mother and the baby, says Sonali. Apart from soothing and satisfying the baby it also spells a calming effect on the mother which helps to deal better with the immediate strains of labour, lessens postpartum depression and helps to adjust with the various hormonal changes happening post delivery. Also read a mum's guide to bond with her newborn.

Image source: Getty Images

---

For more articles on breastfeeding, visit our Parenting section. For daily free health tips, sign up for ournewsletter.For health related Q&A,click here!