Medical research has expounded on the numerous benefits breastfeeding provides for babies. From the physical benefits to the emotional ones, the pros of breastfeeding are undeniable. Not to be overlooked however, are the benefits breastfeeding provides for the mother as well.

These benefits include:

* Convenience.

Breastfeeding means that there are no bottles to wash or sterilize, no trips to the kitchen in the middle of the night to prepare a meal for your baby, no fear of milk spoilage, and no unused or wasted milk.

* Cost Effective.

Providing for a baby can be extremely costly. In addition to the basic necessities, baby formula has to be one of the most costly. On the contrary, breastfeeding is absolutely free.

* Physical Benefits.

Breastfeeding is said to help mothers lose the weight they gained during pregnancy (although this has not happened for me yet, and I've breastfed two children!), and help return their uterus to its normal size. Awake! magazine states: "a baby's suckling the breast stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, which not only helps milk release and flow but also causes contraction of the uterus. When the uterus contracts promptly after delivery, prolonged bleeding is less likely".

In addition, breast-feeding has been found to delay the return of ovulation and menstruation, which tends to prolong and delay the next pregnancy. Thereby, providing longer intervals between pregnancy, meaning healthier mothers and healthier babies.

* Emotional Benefits.

It stands to reason that with the skin-to-skin contact, and the physical warmth that comes along with breastfeeding, such a feeding practice can help forge an important bond of love and intimacy between mother and child.

* Health Benefits.

Medical research has established that breastfeeding can lower the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. It turns out babies aren't the only ones who benefit from breast-feeding, says U.S. News And World Report. In addition, a study of 150,000 women in 30 countries revealed that every year a woman breast-feeds she cuts her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer by 4.3 percent. Yet, only half of American mothers breast-feed, for an average of two to three months". (source Awake! magazine)

Therefore, the saying "breast is best" doesn't apply exclusively to the breastfed baby. Research has made it quite obvious that mothers benefit from this practice as well. It is no wonder that we have witnessed a resurgence in this once antiquated practice. Due to the extensive benefits, "breast is [truly the] best".

Learn more about this author, Virginia L. Allen.
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