A mother's challenges do not end with childbirth; in fact, they often become even more demanding during the postpartum period. Breastfeeding, which is extremely crucial for the newborn, particularly for the first six months of life, can be an overwhelming experience. However, it is important to know that it holds various benefits not just for the child but also for the mother.
As it is World Breastfeeding Week 2024, celebrated August 1–7 every year, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with leading experts to understand how breastfeeding can promote a faster and smoother postpartum recovery while providing various benefits to the mother. Let's delve into these insights in detail.
Uterine Contraction
Dr Apurva Gupta, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Daffodils by Artemis, Delhi, said, “Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more easily and quickly.”
“This can reduce postpartum bleeding,” she told the OnlyMyHealth team.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), mothers can start breastfeeding babies within the first hour after birth and for the first six months of their lives.
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Calorie Burning
The ACOG also suggests that breastfeeding can make it easier to lose the weight gained during pregnancy. Dr Gupta explained that producing breast milk requires energy, which helps in burning extra calories. This can assist with weight loss and returning to pre-pregnancy weight, she shared.
Hormonal Balance
Several studies suggest that women who breastfeed are less likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who don't. These positive effects might be due to various factors, including increased levels of oxytocin, or the 'feel-good' hormones during breastfeeding, reduced stress hormone levels, and improved mother-infant bonding, according to Dr Gupta.
She said, "Breastfeeding helps in regulating hormones, reducing the risk of postpartum depression by promoting the release of prolactin and oxytocin, which have calming and mood-enhancing effects."
However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this relationship and to determine if breastfeeding can be a preventive strategy for postpartum depression.
Encourages Mobility
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mahua Bhattacharya, Consultant Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, shared that breastfeeding an infant ensures some form of activity by the mother, which is important for the prevention of venous thrombosis, a dangerous complication characterised by the formation of blood clots in the veins, common during the postpartum period.
Also Read: Breastfeeding After 35: Expert List Tips to Keep Your Baby Healthy
Ensures Closer Attention To Diet
Dr Bhattacharya highlighted how breastfeeding encourages mothers to focus on their diet to ensure their baby receives adequate nutrition. This focus on healthy eating not only benefits the baby but also helps the mother replenish her own nutrient stores, speeding up her physical recovery after childbirth, shared the doctor.
Promotes Bonding
Breastfeeding is a great opportunity for the mother and the child to develop a strong emotional bond.
Dr Gupta shared that through skin-to-skin contact, also called kangaroo care, and eye contact, the mother and the baby can build a sense of security and trust, which can also enhance emotional well-being in the mother.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is not just a source of nutrition for the newborn but also a way to speed up a mother’s postpartum recovery. It promotes uterine contraction, reduces the risk of complications, enhances mental health in mothers, and encourages better nutrition. It is important to remember that as much as it is crucial to care for the baby, it is also integral to pay attention to the mother's needs.