Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom & Baby
August: National Breastfeeding Month has come to an end! All month long, Humble Bee has been sharing loads of information on breastfeeding and alternatives!
Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience between mom and baby. The nursing bonding experience not only provides nutritional benefits to your baby but can also provide psychological benefits to moms.
Bonding – the skin to skin contact and holding your baby against your chest allows affectionate bonding and stroking of your baby. Scientists believe this bonding decreases the development of social and behavioral problems for both mom and baby. Additionally, it has been found that this type of contact may also boost milk supply and help in the regulation of your baby’s breathing and heartbeat.
Lowers Stress – for moms the first few months can be stressful leading to increased inflammation levels, stress and depression. Breastfeeding has been found to help lower stress levels, by reducing inflammation. For your baby this creates a calmer and better feeding and bonding experience.
Boosts Hormones – the release of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ and prolactin increases when breastfeeding and during bonding time when making eye contact, touching or even with thoughts about your baby. It has been found that oxytocin may increase your natural motherly instincts and may help against postnatal depression. The prolactin increases breast development and milk production.
Better Sleep – breastfeeding may aid in increasing a mom’s ability to fall and stay asleep longer. In a study, it was found that mothers who breastfeed slept better with an increase in deep sleep.
Reduces Risk to Diseases – It has been found that breastfeeding may reduce a mother’s risk to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breast and ovarian cancer. For babies, breastfeeding provides immunity and may help in preventing illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, allergies, infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding helps to increase attachment between baby and mom by promoting physical and emotional bonding and natural motherly and baby sensitivity and instincts.
Our Humble Bee Nurse Sling may give you a helping handing during these beautiful moments to support you and your baby.
On the other hand, breastfeeding is also challenging for some moms and who may resort to alternatives to feeding their babies. To overcome challenges that may affect you and your baby it is also recommended to contact a health care provider to provide you with the best solutions.