While the advantages of breastfeeding for the health of both mother and child are widely known, in discussions of this topic, more emphasis is often put on the health benefits for the child rather than for the mother. Breastfeeding is part of the natural continuum of conception, pregnancy and birth, and offers key health benefits for the mother-baby dyad that extend far beyond the short term. These benefits are not only physical, but mental and emotion as well.
The known short-term benefits of lactation for women’s health include uterine involution and reduced uterine bleeding postpartum, decreased rates of infection, lactational amenorrhea, reduced adiposity and weight, reduced postpartum depression, reduced stress and anxiety and fewer body image issues. In the long term, breastfeeding reduces the risk of a number of cancers for the mother including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrium cancer. It also reduces endometriosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. [1] Although all of these benefits are important, only a handful of these benefits will be discussed further.
When a baby suckles a woman’s breast, there is a release of oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, thus reducing the chances of excessive postpartum bleeding and hemorrhage. The contractions of the uterus also allow for it to return to its normal size more quickly. Oxytocin is important for so many reasons, including strengthening feelings of love between the mother and child. [1] The healing benefits of breastfeeding allow the mother to feel better in her body and better tend to her child’s needs.
Lactational amenorrhea is an important benefit of breastfeeding for the mother. When a woman breastfeeds exclusively at least eight times a day, both day and night, estrogen and progesterone are suppressed due to high levels of prolactin. This leads to an interruption of the ovulatory mechanism thus creating a temporary period of infertility. This method of contraception can be used until the child is up to six months of age or when exclusive breastfeeding ends. Lactational amenorrhea is advantageous for the mother because it allows for adequate spacing between pregnancies and is a drug and device free family planning method with a 96% effectiveness rate. [1]
Postpartum depression is a big issue among women. About 13% of postpartum women experience depression within twelve weeks after the birth of their baby. Recent studies have revealed that women who do not breastfeed are at higher risk for postpartum depression. [1] Women who breastfeed release prolactin and oxytocin, which are known to reduce anxiety. Breastfeeding also regulates cortisol secretions further reducing stress, not to mention the stress relieving benefits of intimacy and closeness with the infant.
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are growing in prevalence in recent years. Breastfeeding helps combat insulin resistance because oxytocin production improves sensitivity to insulin. Compared to women who did not breastfeed, women who do breastfeed have a 50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. [1] Being metabolically healthy as a mother is important because it allows the mother to have more energy and be more present for her child.
The daily production of milk promotes weight loss and a faster metabolism for women postpartum. This has a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Women who breastfeed for 7-12 months have a 28% lower risk of developing vascular diseases. This benefit may continue after the baby is weaned. [1]
Lactation is a healing practice for both mother and baby. Spreading information about the benefits of breastfeeding among mothers and future mothers is essential for promoting this practice and making it more widespread globally. There are many reasons why a mother may not choose to breastfeed or may not be able to breastfeed. Lack of breastfeeding support and education can lead to frustration and cause the mother to give up the practice. Women who have highly managed births could have trouble breastfeeding due to the interruption in the physiological continuum that pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding reside on. Many women succumb to marketing campaigns that promote formula feeding as superior to the breast. Discussing the importance of breastfeeding for immediate and future health with women from a young age could be a solution to this issue. Increasing the number of women who breastfeed will contribute to healthier mothers and babies, and will therefore improve the health of the entire population worldwide.
References
- Del Ciampo, LA, Del Ciampo, IRL, Breastfeeding and the Benefits of Lactation for Women’s Health, Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2018;40:354–359. DOI https://doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0038-1657766