Mothers deciding to breastfeed have a very positive list of breastfeeding benefits, not only for their baby, but for themselves as well. Whether a mother’s infant is in the NICU or at home, breastfeeding benefits may be surprisingly more prevalent than most moms expect.
In the NICU, parents are often forced to deal with the separation that occurs when their baby goes into the intensive care unit. This separation can be very difficult, especially for the mother. Natural protective instincts create an irrespressible desire to be with their baby at all times.
Fortunately, in these difficult situations, breastfeeding allows for a strong, special bond between mother and baby, that can be considered the strongest form of human contact. The emotional and physical connection between mother and baby during breastfeeding is surpassed by none. Let’s take a closer looks at breastfeeding benefits for moms.
Breastfeeding Benefits For Mothers
Here at NeonatalICU.com, I would like to offer mothers a very positive list of breastfeeding benefits specific to moms themselves. If parents are deciding whether or not to breastfeed, hopefully this list can provide insight to how much good breastfeeding can do for mothers.
- Lose Weight – One of the big advantages of breastfeeding is the quicker weight loss mothers have. Women who breastfeed burn more calories than those who don’t, thus allowing them to lose their pregnancy weight quicker.
- Uterus Size- Mothers who breastfeed often cause their uterus to return to normal size more quickly than those who opt not to breastfeed. When a mother produces milk she releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is what causes the uterus to shrink and reduce to its normal size before pregnancy.
- Form of Birth Control – Women who breastfeed are naturally helping reduce the chance of getting pregnant while breastfeeding.
- Helps Cope with Stress – For mothers with infants in the NICU, breastfeeding can help cope with the stress of not being able to be near or care for their child 100% of the time. Many mothers have a feeling of helplessness, lacking the ability or control to protect their baby. Breastfeeding and/or providing breast milk can give mothers a sense of control, and a close bonding to their child that circumstances may otherwise prevent in the NICU.This also can help a mother who is having trouble dealing with the separation from her infant, by allowing close skin to skin contact.
- Emotional Security – Mothers who breastfeed can develop a stronger connection with their baby, reducing potential post-partum fears and anxiety. This security gives a sense of comfort that the mother is successfully capable of providing for her infant.
