Benefits for Mom | Benefits for Baby | Benefits for Society

Benefits for Mom

Ease
Breastfeeding saves time and money. Stress for new moms can be decreased by the hormonal effects of prolactin, the skin-to-skin nature of breastfeeding and the convenience of feedings.¹

Cancer Risk Reduction
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers who breastfeed. ^2,3

Healthy Postpartum

• Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its original size and decreases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.⁴
• Breastfeeding uses extra calories, making it easier to regain a healthy body weight.⁵
• Child spacing is assisted by the natural infertility that results from delays in the return of the menstrual cycle when breastfeeding. ⁵
  

References:
1. La Leche League International (2003). The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Schaumburg, Illinois: La Leche League International.
2. Zheng T. et al. (2001). Lactation and breast cancer: a case-control study in Connecticut. Br J Cancer 84, 1472-76.
3. Rosenblatt, K.A. et al. (1995). Prolonged lactation and endometrial cancer. Int J Epidemiol 24, 499-503.
4. American Academy of Paediatrics (1997). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Paediatrics 100: 1035-9.
5. Riordan, J. (2005). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Third Edition. Toronto: Jones and Bartlett.

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