If you’re a new mother, you’ll likely know what role breastfeeding plays in enhancing the overall health and well-being of the mother and the child. Breastfeeding’s benefits extend beyond nourishment for the child. Breastfeeding can significantly reduce mental stress and health risks and improve the physical recovery processes in the body.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the benefits of breastfeeding on the health of the mother and how education on such matters can enhance their overall decision process to seek help from healthcare facilities. One such is Ponjesly Hospital, listed among the best maternity hospitals in Nagercoil.
Benefits of breastfeeding on maternal health
There can be a list of benefits a mother can garner by regular breastfeeding. Some of them include:
Enhanced physical recovery
Breastfeeding helps restore the uterus to its optimal size and health.
Among the other prevalent issues in new mothers, Postpartum bleeding can be painful and hard to manage. Mothers who indulge in regular breastfeeding can manage postpartum bleeding effectively as breastfeeding helps the uterus contract faster. Breastfeeding is an excellent workout. It helps the mother establish a bond while burning calories alongside.
Releases the right hormones
One of the hormones that gets released during breastfeeding is Oxytocin. This hormone is vital in improving the mother-child bond, reducing stress, and improving the mother’s overall mental wellness.
Acts as a barrier to chronic health conditions
Mothers indulging in breastfeeding regularly have lower risks of developing chronic health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular health issues, and particular types of cancer. Women can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by indulging in regular breastfeeding. This is affected by the impact of lactation on weight and hormonal balance.
Overall mental well-being
Postpartum depression is another common issue among new mothers. Breastfeeding helps in regulating hormones and managing weight, significantly reducing the effects of postpartum depression on the mother. While breastfeeding, the mother develops a deeply rooted emotional connection with the child, ensuring overall improvement in the mental wellness of the mother.
Reduces financial tension
Formula can be expensive and can add up to the expenses after childbirth. Breastfeeding cuts this expense off, making the financial burden slightly less on the parents. While it might look insignificant, this can be pivotal in saving costs.
DETERMINANTS OF BREASTFEEDING DURATION AND EXCLUSIVITY
Breastfeeding is a physically and mentally taxing process. Though every mother is advised to breastfeed their children post-pregnancy, several factors decide the duration and nature of the process.
These determinants can often be divided into three categories: biological, attitudinal, and practices about the consulting hospital.
Biological factors
Several biological factors can impact breastfeeding in new mothers. Some or all of these factors can decide the exclusivity and nature of breastfeeding after pregnancy.
Mental health and wellbeing
The mother’s mentality is crucial in deciding the entire breastfeeding process. Several factors can impact this, including body conditions like thyroid and diabetes, which can affect milk production and volume in new mothers.
Health condition of the infant
The duration and quality of breastfeeding also depend on the child’s health. If the child is born without optimal health conditions, it may have trouble latching or sucking, making it harder for the mother to feed the child.
Anatomy and other factors
Breast anatomy and other factors that affect breast health can impact the duration and quality of breastfeeding. Inverted nipples, breast sores, and injuries can impact the process and make it harder for the mother to nurse their child.
Attitudinal characteristics
You are mistaken if you think health is the only hindrance to effective breastfeeding. A mother’s views on breastfeeding can play a significant role in deciding the quality and duration of the breastfeeding process.
Cultural and regional beliefs
Though awareness about breastfeeding is on the rise among new parents, regional and cultural beliefs can impact the mother’s mentality on feeding her child. Cultural pressures can either encourage or discourage new mothers to breastfeed their children.
Knowledge about the subject
New mothers should know the pros and cons of deciding how to nurse their children. Awareness programs and educational initiatives can improve this aspect of the process.
Support from family
Though breastfeeding can benefit both the mother and the child, the decision ultimately depends on the mother and her mindset.
Hospital practices
In addition to the above aspects, the hospital’s built-in customary practices can also impact the mother’s breastfeeding habit.
Skin-to-skin contact
The time after giving birth is as special for the mother as it is for the child. Establishing immediate skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the child can help enhance the bonding and quality of the process.
Consultation and professional support
In-house support and expert consultation can improve a mother’s desire to feed her child. Top hospitals in Nagercoil provide their patients with access to lactation consultants.
Conclusion
The benefits of breastfeeding are debatable and multifaceted. Often, the advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond general well-being. The colostrum in breast milk offers the child all the necessary nourishment for growth and development. By fostering a healthy and safe environment, every maternity hospital in Kanyakumari can help the locals understand and utilise the healthcare centres’ offerings.