Breastfeeding week: What benefits can it have on mothers? | Health & Wellness

Within the framework of the celebration of the week of lactation, specialists in gynecology detailed the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers. Some of them include reducing the risk of cancer and developing postpartum depression.

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On lactation much is usually disclosed, including the benefits that concern children, however, it should be remembered that this process also can be of great benefit to mothers.

Breastfeeding, according to specialists in gynecology, can reduce the risk of postpartum depression, reduce the possibility of developing breast and ovarian canceramong several other benefits.

Elizabeth Chong, lactation specialist gynecologist at Clínica Las Condesexplained that “In the mother, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of postpartum depression, as well as breast and ovarian cancer. On the other hand, it facilitates postpartum recovery”.

Decreased postpartum depression

In relation to the decrease in the risk of postpartum depression, the gynecologist points out that “During lactation, oxytocin is produced, which is responsible for the ejection of milk”also known as “love hormone”.

The release of this, in addition, helps the “attachment and generating a bond, which increases the feeling of affection towards our baby and therefore also decreases the risk of depression at this stage”.

Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer

On the contribution of breastfeeding in the reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancerChong points out that “There is less exposure to estrogen and progesterone during this stage, since ovulation is inhibited, which reduces exposure and risk of suffering from this type of cancer, which is strengthened by hormones”.

Therefore, the specialist recommends that “The more months you breastfeed, the more the risk decreases” will have the mother, he says.

body recovery

The lactation specialist details that “The production of oxytocin helps the uterus generate contractions, called contractions, in order to gradually return to its normal size. […] So if I breastfeed gender, more oxytocin and greater probability of returning the uterus to its normal size”which will help the mother in her postpartum recovery.

In addition, to this is added that Breastfeeding consumes approximately 500 to 1,000 kilocalories, which can contribute to weight regainif it is combined with a balanced diet.

Breastfeeding education

In order to take full advantage of this type of benefit, both for mothers and newborns, it is important to educate and accompany women during the breastfeeding period, indicates the midwife in charge of the Lactation Clinic of Clínica Las Condes, Jennifer Silva.

To do this, the professional recommends that mothers have support from the third trimester of pregnancy to receive education on the breastfeeding period, since there are many myths or beliefs about what is the best way to do it.

“In this sense, it is important to report on all the aspects of the subject and make it understood that each woman experiences breastfeeding differently and that her decisions must be respected”Silva said.

This accompaniment is ideal to extend throughout the breastfeeding process after the birth of the baby, for example, in the extraction, weaning and even returning to work, while breastfeeding, adds the midwife.

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