Another blog talked about the benefits of breast feeding for babies. But what about breast feeding benefits for mom?

Moms who breast feed get a complete list of their own benefits:

Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers
Reduced risk of anemia
Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total length of time a mother breast feeds
Helps the mother’s body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster – promotes weight loss…1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores… can burn from 500 – 1,500 calories per day.
Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies
Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child
Breast milk is free – reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)
Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in doctor visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicines and hospitalizations
Moms miss less time off from work due to child related illnesses
Helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding

The lesson is hard to miss. It’s great to breast feed your baby!