The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Moms

While the benefits of human milk for babies are well known, less attention is given to the benefits that mothers receive from breastfeeding. 

Women actually enjoy numerous maternal benefits, including: 

• Reduced risk of breast cancer (pre- and post-menopausal) 

• Reduced risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer

• Faster return to pre-pregnancy weight

• Reduced risk of post-partum hemorrhage

• Reduced risk of post-partum depression

Besides improving our health, breastfeeding also affects the way a mother feels when she is actually nursing. The hormones of lactation – prolactin and oxytocin – have very profound, biological effects on a breastfeeding mom. For example, a new nursing mom may notice that when her baby begins suckling at the breast, she feels extremely tired and barely able to keep her eyes open. After nursing her baby, she is relaxed and ready for a nap. And since most babies nap after nursing, both mom and baby can conveniently rest at the same time.

Prolactin is the milk-making hormone. Released in the brain, it sends signals to the milk-producing cells in the breast to manufacture milk. But making breast milk is only half of the process. The milk must then be delivered, and this is oxytocin’s responsibility. 

Oxytocin helps the uterus contract in the early post-partum period, reducing blood loss. It also constricts cells in the breast, squeezing the milk forward into the milk ducts, allowing a well-latched baby to suck out the milk. Many women can feel the oxytocin working in their breasts. This let-down sensation is often described as a “pins and needles” feeling, or a tingling sensation. 

In addition to these physical effects, oxytocin influences a mother’s emotions. In fact, oxytocin has been called the “hormone of love.” With every nursing session, this love hormone circulates, helping mom feel tenderness and love for her baby. This process equips a new mom to cope with stress of the “fourth trimester.” It’s the mothering hormones of lactation at work!

Molly, IBCLC 

The Value of Skin-to-Skin Contact

Did you know that placing your baby skin-to-skin on your chest, especially while you are resting, is more than just a sweet snuggle time? Skin-to-skin positioning (also known as kangaroo care) not only facilitates milk production and the release of the maternal hormone oxytocin (the mothering hormone), but also has an effect on your baby’s physiology. Holding your baby skin-to-skin (no fabric between you) actually regulates his body temperature, respirations and heart rate. Research in this area is absolutely fascinating! For example, a mother’s breast temperature actually rises in order to warm and lowers in order to cool her baby when he has direct skin-to-skin contact with his mother. His breathing becomes relaxed, and his heart rate becomes regular. Talk about a mother’s ability to provide for her baby! Here’s another fascinating example: in two separate case studies, pre-term twins were placed simultaneously skin-to-skin with their mother, each against one of her breasts. Remarkably, each breast (in all four cases) responded individually to the thermal needs of the infant on that particular breast by raising and lowering its temperature independently of the other. So, let’s not underestimate the power of our breasts. Food, warmth and security… all in a soft, beautiful package! What more could our babies want?