It Acts as a Natural Birth Control Method
Finally, one of the best benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child is that it acts as a natural birth control method.
Breastfeeding mommies experience delayed ovulation and decreased fertility due to “lactational amenorrhea.” Lactational amenorrhea happens when a woman is not menstruating because she is fully breastfeeding.
This amenorrhea increases the time between pregnancies, and therefore gives the mother enough time to recover and focus on her newborn.
But it’s important to note that you can still get pregnant before you get your first post-pregnancy menstruation.
Emotional Benefits of Breastfeeding
After discussing the physical benefits of lactation, let us tackle its emotional benefits for the mother.
It Gives a Feeling of Relaxation
While breastfeeding, the body produces the hormone, prolactin. Prolactin gives a sense of peace and relaxation to the mother. Additionally, it also provides a nurturing sensation that encourages mommies to focus on taking care of their babies.
It Promotes Bonding
One of the emotional benefits of breastfeeding is it promotes bonding between mother and child. While prolactin also contributes to this benefit, the hormone oxytocin plays a big role. This is because oxytocin promotes “love and attachment.”
Aside from the effects of the hormones, the act of breastfeeding in itself promotes bonding. When a mother breastfeeds her baby, the skin-to-skin contact, together with the holding and stroking, allows for a deeper feeling of affection.
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