Evidence shows that breastfeeding is not just good for baby—it’s great for mom, too!

The decision of whether or not to breastfeed is one that every new mom considers during pregnancy. There is a great deal of evidence to show that breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to the baby, as it contains the exact combination of vitamins and nutrients the baby needs to thrive, as well as disease-fighting antibodies that protect the baby from illness. Numerous studies from all corners of the world have shown that breastfeeding can lower the instance of stomach viruses, respiratory illness, allergies, ear infections, and other illnesses. It has also been shown to greatly decrease the instance of SIDS death, as well as illnesses later in life like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Less often discussed are the tremendous benefits of breastfeeding for the mother as well. For starters, it can decrease your stress level and your chances of developing postpartum depression. Nursing triggers the release of the hormone Oxytocin, which causes mothers to feel calm and relaxed, often combating the possibility of depression. More importantly, breastfeeding has been showed to lower a woman’s risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Studies show that breastfeeding for one and a half to two years over one’s lifetime could reduce your risk of breast cancer. Your reduced risk can be determined by the cumulative amount of time you’ve spent breastfeeding over the course of your life. For example, if you had three babies and nursed each for six months, your cumulative breastfeeding time of one and a half years would serve to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. The exact reason for this is unknown but could include the following:

• Your lifetime exposure to estrogen is reduced, which decreases the possibility of developing estrogen-fueled breast cancer.

• Your hormone balances are different during lactation, resulting in fewer menstrual cycles and less estrogen exposure.

• Fat-soluble pollutants and carcinogens are not stored as much in lactating breasts.

• Breastfeeding allows more time for breast tissue to return to normal after pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding may cause changes to breast cells that make them more resistant to cancer-related mutations.

• Breastfeeding reduces the total number of ovulations, and the fewer times you ovulate the lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

A 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women with a family history of breast cancer were 59 percent less likely to develop the cancer themselves if they breastfed their children. No difference in risk was found among women without a family history.

In addition to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, breastfeeding has been linked to lower instances of long-term high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Finally, breastfeeding assists with bonding, promotes postpartum weight loss, assists in spacing children (due to delayed return of ovulation), and costs less! For working moms, pumping breast milk during the day to feed your baby while the two of you are apart is a great option. Under the new federal health care law, all employers must provide an adequate, private space—that is NOT a bathroom—to pump, as well as needed breaks. 

For more information, visit:

• La Leche League: http://lllvawv.org/breastfeeding-help/tidewater/

• Tidewater Lactation Group: http://www.tidewaterlactationgroup.com/

• Midwifery Center at DePaul: http://www.bonsecourshamptonroads.com/

• Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia: http://www.ppsev.org