Breastfeeding Advantages to Mothers

Breastfeeding is a choice of the mother, this involves her comfortability and her willingness to be tied down most of the time with her baby. In my case, my husband and I both decided that I will breastfeed our Baby Keisha for at least one year so that she’ll grow strong, healthy and smart. At first, I taught it was easy but when my nipples begin to crack, I started to feel scared every time I hear my little girl crying and looking for milk. To be honest, there were moments when I cried while I was feeding her because my nipples were really sore with blood. It was very painful. But still, despite of the pain, I still chose to breastfeed my Baby Keisha.

Let me share with you some of the advantages of breastfeeding to mothers that I personally experienced.

Breastfeeding advantages to mothers:
1. Breastfeeding may serve as a protective function in preventing breast cancer. Well, according to my OB and to some books and magazines that I have read breastfeeding is one factor in preventing breast cancer.
2. The release of oxytocin aids in uterine involution. Oxytocin causes smooth muscle to contract, so when it is produced, the uterine contracts as well.
3. Successful and continuous breastfeeding has an empowering effect to a mother since not all are choosing to breastfeed their babies and there are mothers who are opting to stop producing milk because of certain circumstance.
4. Breastfeeding reduces the cost of feeding. (the cost of formulated milk, distilled water, the anti-colic feeding bottles and sterilizer) This is really a big help especially to those who have limited budget. My husband and I were really able to save a lot.
5. It also reduces preparation time. Whenever Keisha cries at night, I just give her my breast.
6. Breastfeeding creates a symbiotic bond with the mother and the child. It’s really a great feeling when your baby looks for you when she’s hungry and keeps quiet when you already give yourself.