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“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
All About Breastfeeding Series
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Breastfeeding is better for mom, too. Just as for the baby, the benefits for the mother start right after birth. After an uncomplicated, unmedicated birth, most babies are able to latch on right away. As a result, your body will release oxytocin, the hormone that releases the milk from the breast, but also makes the uterus contract. This helps expel the placenta and shrink the uterus, reducing bleeding. The mother can notice this ongoing process during the first week after birth. During the first weeks after the birth of your baby, nursing forces you to slow down and take a regular rest. By combining a nutritious snack and drink at the same time, you take care of your baby’s health and yours simultaneously. Did you know that nursing might help you fight the extra weight you gained during pregnancy? Just make certain you are not losing weight too fast. A pound here and there is fine, but you also need your energy to take care of your baby. A nursing mother may notice that her periods will not return right away. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year, depending on how long and frequently you nurse. When your periods do not return, your body saves iron needed to build red blood cells. Also, your chances of conceiving again are diminished (but you may be fertile without noticing it). The longer a mother is nursing, the bigger the benefits. A woman can reduce her risk of developing several illnesses like breast cancer, endometrium cancer and osteoporosis with each month she is nursing. The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition (for more information, call 949.856.3058 or visit www.ocbreastfeedingcoalition.org) |
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