The Health Benefits of Lactation for You
We’ve all heard the stories—whether from friends, family, or well-meaning neighbors—about the “horrors” of childbirth and breastfeeding. Don’t let those tales bring you down! We’re here to support you through this transformative experience.
Lactating for your baby is not just the healthiest and safest choice for them; it’s also incredibly beneficial for you. As mammals, lactation is part of our natural recovery from childbirth. During pregnancy, hormonal shifts prepare our bodies by retaining extra water and cholesterol to support milk production.
If this process is interrupted, it can have lasting effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. On the flip side, mothers who breastfeed for at least twelve months lower their risk of developing breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers by 6%, and reduce their chances of heart disease and stroke by 23%!Lactating also helps new moms return to their pre-pregnancy weight more easily, with breastfeeding mothers having a waist size two inches smaller on average compared to mothers who don’t breastfeed.
Tips for You This Week
- Embrace the health benefits of lactation for both you and your baby.
- Take care of yourself by staying hydrated, eating well, and getting rest to support your body’s recovery.
- Consider talking to other breastfeeding moms to hear firsthand how lactation has impacted their health and well-being.
Fun Fact:
Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps you bond with your baby and promotes uterine contractions that aid postpartum recovery.
