Research has proven that human milk (a.k.a. breastmilk) has endless benefits on a child’s health, but have you ever considered what it can do for you and your family? Breastfeeding can help improve your health, the relationship between you and your child, and even affect your finances!
Improving your health
- While breastfeeding, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone which contracts your uterus and releases milk. These actions can help you return to your pre-pregnancy shape.
- Nursing burns about 500 calories a day, which is a fast way to lose the baby weight.
- Studies show that breastfeeding can lower your risk of osteoporosis as well as forms of breast or ovarian cancers.
Improving the relationship between you and your child
- Breastfeeding can serve as an incredible bonding experience with your child.
- Skin-to-skin contact allows you to soothe and comfort your baby.
- It provides an opportunity for you both to study each other’s faces, in which your child will soon begin to copy your expressions.
Improving your finances
- According to www.pfadvice.com, formula can range between $1,500 and $3,000 per year. By breastfeeding, you can cut that cost by at least $1,500.
- Although breastfeeding equipment can be expensive, the government recently ruled that equipment such as breast pumps are now tax-deductible. (Also, check your insurance policy. Some companies cover breastfeeding equipment in their plans.)
Breastfeeding is really is beneficial for your child’s health as well as your own. What part of breastfeeding is most important to you and your family?