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It is common to hear of the numerous benefits that breastfeeding offers a baby and why mothers should practice breastfeeding from the perspective of the baby. The benefits that breastfeeding affords the nursing mother is often easily overlooked. Nevertheless, the benefits that breastfeeding offer a mother is just as pertinent and should be taken into consideration by a mother making the choice between breastfeeding and formula-feeding her baby.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are outlined below under the categories of health, psychological, weight loss and other benefits.

Health Benefits:

1. The baby's suckling action triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which produces the letdown reflex (a process whereby the breast releases its stored milk to the baby). Oxytocin also causes contraction of the uterus which is important during postpartum healing as it reduces the risk of bleeding and promotes the return of the uterus to its original shape and size.

2. Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation. Mothers who formula feed their babies usually observe a return of their periods within 6-8 weeks postpartum. A breastfeeding mother can expect to delay the return of her period for months up to a year and beyond. This helps a mother maintain her stores of iron and helps to reduce her risk of developing iron deficient anaemia.

3. Breastfeeding reduces a mother's fertility by preventing ovulation. This can help delay further pregnancies and allow her body to recover before being taxed again with another pregnancy. It is important to note, however, that the period of reduced fertility depends on the mother, her baby and their nursing patterns.

4. There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide a mother protection against breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.

5. A common misconception is that breastfeeding increases a mother's risk of osteoporosis, however, studies have found the converse to be true. While a mother's stores of calcium are reduced during breastfeeding, it was found that bone density return to normal levels and even increased after weaning, thus providing extra protection against osteoporosis.

6. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Some studies also show that breastfeeding helps to reduce a mother's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

8. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of developing diabetes,

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