What breastfeeding does to your body?

Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits to the mother.

1. Breastfeeding creates a strong bond with the infant.
2. It is an important birth control method. Prolactin which helps in milk production reduces the production of ovarian hormones which is a cost-effective method of family planning. Although it is not a fool-proof method.
3. It reduces postpartum bleeding and delays the menstrual cycle.
4. When the mother feeds the infant, the uterus returns to normal size and arrests bleeding.
5. Breastfeeding burns between 500-600 calories a day. It helps the mother to shed the extra weight that was accumulated during pregnancy.
6. It saves time, money, and energy.
7. It decreases the risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
8. By breastfeeding, the requirement of insulin decreases in diabetic mothers.
9. It provides the mother with a sense of calm and satisfaction which is required for the production of required hormones.
10. It improves bone density and reduces the risk of fractures.
11. It reduces the risk of post-partum depression.