Many of us are aware of the amazing health benefits of breastfeeding for babies, but it can be good for mums, too. From reducing the risk of some health conditions to helping birth recovery, discover some of the benefits of breastfeeding for mums.
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Breastfeeding aids birth recovery
Breastfeeding stimulates the uterus to contract and return to its normal size after birth.
Lower risk of some health conditions
Breastfeeding lowers your lifelong risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Every extra month that you breastfeed also reduces your risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
Breastfeeding may help you to get more sleep
Breastfeeding is often blamed for frequent night waking in babies, but it may actually help mums to get more sleep. One study found that breastfeeding mums got an extra 40-45 minutes of sleep per night, as the oxytocin and other hormones released while feeding can help both mum and baby doze off again faster.
It may aid weight loss
Mums can burn up to 500 calories a day breastfeeding, which may aid weight loss (or be an excuse to indulge in a few extra snacks and treats).
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It can save money
While you will likely still want to invest in items such as a breast pump and nursing bras for feeding, you will probably spend much less preparing to breastfeed than you would on a year’s worth of formula.
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