Nearly 4 million babies are born in the United States each year. If you are having your first child, there are a few decisions you need to make before your baby arrives.
For most new mothers, learning how to bathe their new child or deciding whether to breastfeed can be a bit challenging. Rather than getting overwhelmed by these decisions, taking the time to do a bit of research is important. By seeking out information from other mothers online, you can decide what is right for you and your bundle of joy.
While breastfeeding babies can be challenging, it is the best way for a mother to provide their child with the nutrients they need. Not only is breastfeeding good for the baby, but it can also be beneficial for nursing mothers as well.
Read below to find out more about the benefits that you can gain from breastfeeding your child.
Breastfeeding Babies Helps You Burn More Calories Throughout the Day
When producing milk for your baby, your body will expend a lot of extra energy. The number of calories that you can burn from breastfeeding range from 300 to 500 a day.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women trying to get rid of baby weight should consume the same number of calories as they did before becoming pregnant. If you are interested in how to burn off belly fat after having a child, you can get more info with some online research.
If you are unsure about how to approach losing weight after having birth, be sure to consult with your primary physician. They will be able to offer you guidance on things like caloric intake and exercise plans.
You can Reduce Uterine Bleeding By Breastfeeding
Once a woman gives birth to a child, their uterus may bleed as it heals. Usually, the placenta blood vessels will begin to close off, but this can take some time.
If you want to speed up this recovery process a bit, then breastfeeding is a good option. During the breastfeeding process, your body will release a hormone known as oxytocin. This hormone will help your uterus to contract, which reduces the amount of bleeding you will experience.
Most medical experts consider breastfeeding a win-win for the baby and its mother. While the child is able to get the nourishment they need, their breastfeeding mother is able to release hormones that heal her body.
Breastfeeding can Reduce the Risk of Ovarian and Breast Cancer
Did you realize that breastfeeding can actually reduce your risk of cancer? There have been a number of studies done that show that breastfeeding can reduce cancer risks by up to 4 percent. Most experts agree that this cancer risk reduction is caused by the suppression of estrogen during the breastfeeding process.
Having too much estrogen in the body can lead to abnormal cell growth. There is a consensus in the medical community that breastfeeding is the body’s natural way of healing after childbirth.
While you may be a bit apprehensive to breastfeed, it is usually one of the best things you can do for you and your newborn. Consulting with your doctor is a great way to get tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you.
Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease by Breastfeeding
One of the most common causes of death in the United States is heart disease. While there is no miracle cure to avoid this type of disease, a number of studies have found that breastfeeding can lower a woman’s risk of heart disease.
The study conducted by medical professionals found that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of heart disease was later in life. Women who breastfed their child for longer than 12 months had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These women also had a lower risk of other serious conditions like diabetes.
The Peace of Mind That Breastfeeding Can Provide
When giving your child formula, you may stress about whether or not they are getting the proper nutrients. While baby formula does provide some nutrients for your child, it does not hold a candle to mother’s milk.
Instead of losing sleep at night wondering if you are providing your child with what they need, let nature take its course. Breastfeeding may be difficult at first, but your body will adjust pretty quickly. Staying in constant contact with your doctor during the beginning phases of breastfeeding can help you avoid stressing out over natural occurrences.
The Benefits of Natural Child Spacing
Most mothers want to wait a while to have another baby. When breastfeeding, you will be able to delay ovulation, which in turn makes it easier to create space between your children.
The amount of time that you stay unfertile generally depends on your nursing pattern and a host of other factors. If you want more specific information on your fertility after having a baby, consulting with an experienced doctor is probably your best course of action.
Breastfeeding Can Save You Money
New parents are generally surprised to learn just how expensive baby formula feed can be. Often times, parents will spend thousands of dollars a year to keep their child stocked in formula.
Not only is breastfeeding cheaper, but it is also often healthier for your baby as well. The money you spend on formula can be better invested in supplies for your nursery or toys for your newborn.
Do What Is Best For You and Your Child
The decision on whether or not to breastfeed should be based on what’s best for you and your child. Medical professionals will be able to give you more information about the pros and cons of breastfeeding babies.
Looking for more baby-related tips and information? Check out our blog on the best girl baby names of 2018.
