This is a sponsored guest post.
It’s widely known that nursing your children is an ideal way to boost their immune systems and provide them with the best nutrition possible. However, were you aware the benefits of breastfeeding pertain to more than just our babies?
“Nursing moms receive just as much from the experience as their little ones,” says MamaNatal lactation expert Dr. Colette Wiseman.
According to a recent study and conducted by Breastfeeding Medicine, mothers can receive seven long term benefits from breastfeeding their babies.
#1: Breastfeeding Enhances Postpartum Weight Loss
While having a breastfed baby should not be considered a weight-loss miracle, studies have shown that women who breastfeed lose more postpartum weight over time than those who don’t.
Exclusively breastfeeding mothers can burn an extra 500-700 calories per day and lose 1-2 pounds per month. For increased weight loss, it’s recommended to combine nursing with a healthy diet and exercise.
#2: There’s a Smaller Chance of Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Did you know that many women won’t get their period while breastfeeding? This is known as lactational amenorrhea or postpartum infertility. If you’re hoping to prevent another pregnancy after delivering your little one, breastfeeding can be a great natural birth control option.
While breastfeeding can be as effective as hormonal birth control pills in preventing pregnancy, this is only when your baby is solely drinking breast milk.
#3: One of the Most Popular Benefits of Breastfeeding – Decreased Belly Fat!
If you’re interested in losing some of that extra weight you carry around your stomach after pregnancy, also known as visceral fat, breastfeeding can help. While it’s already been noted that nursing can help you lose weight overall, it most commonly results in a loss of this particular belly fat.
#4: Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
When it comes to the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, the health benefits for nursing moms is one of the most impressive and appreciated. One of these advantages is that nursing your baby reduces your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
As obesity is a leading factor in Type 2 Diabetes, the weight loss benefits of nursing are a significant contributing factor in preventing this disease. Breastfeeding has also been found to improve metabolic health, which is another vital point.
#5: Improved Cardiovascular Health
While scientists still aren’t sure exactly why, it’s been said that breastfeeding also helps prevent cardiovascular troubles for women who breastfeed. There are several theories as to why this is, including:
- The weight loss associated with breastfeeding
- Enhanced metabolic health
- Stress-reducing hormones received from breastfeeding, i.e., oxytocin
- Lower blood pressure
- Healthier lifestyle overall
#6: Less Chance of Developing Breast Cancer
Approximately 1-in-8 women will develop breast cancer in their life. This translates to around 12% of all women.
While many factors for developing this disease are genetic, it’s no wonder we empower mothers and other women to take proactive steps to decrease their risk where they can. In addition to options like exercising and limiting alcohol intake, breastfeeding has also been said to lower a woman’s breast cancer risk.
Studies have shown that for every year a woman nurses, her chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer decrease by 4.3%.
#7: Prevents Ovarian Cancer
In addition to preventing breast cancer, one of the other long-term benefits for nursing moms is a lower chance of contracting ovarian cancer.
Studies have shown that a woman who breastfeeds for at least 13 months is 63% less likely to develop ovarian cancer throughout her life. It’s widely suggested this is because of the fact that breastfeeding often causes an absence of periods.
When a woman isn’t having menstrual cycles, she experiences less exposure to estrogen throughout her life, which is a contributing factor in developing ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding vs. Formula: The Long-Term Benefits of Nursing Speak Volumes
Many expectant mothers find themselves weighing the debate between breastfeeding vs. formula.
If you’re feeling conflicted about which option to choose, these long-term benefits could help sway your decision.
From weight loss to improved cardiovascular health, nursing moms receive just as many advantages from breast milk as their children do. That’s why it’s imperative to find trusted lactation consultants, like the ones at MamaNatal, to help guide you through the process and educate you on the benefits of breastfeeding.
