A Midwifery Officer at the 37 Military Hospital, Kezia Konlaa, has shared nine major benefits of breastfeeding to mothers, both physically and emotionally.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Mary Ampeh on the back of World Breastfeeding Week, which is being marked from August 1-7, she explained that breastfeeding is not only vital for babies but also promotes the health, recovery, and emotional well-being of mothers.

Below are the benefits she outlined:
1. Faster postpartum recovery
Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus to contract and return to its normal size. It also helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.

2. Reduced risk of certain diseases
Research shows that breastfeeding lowers a mother’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

3. Weight management
Breastfeeding burns calories, which can help mothers shed pregnancy weight more easily.

4. Convenience and cost savings
Breast milk is always available, requires no preparation, and saves money compared to purchasing infant formula.

5. Stronger bond with baby
The skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding and the release of oxytocin strengthen the emotional connection between mother and child.

6. Reduced risk of postpartum depression
Breastfeeding can help regulate mood, reducing the likelihood of depression and anxiety after childbirth.

7. Increased self-esteem and confidence
Successfully breastfeeding a baby can boost a mother’s sense of accomplishment and confidence in caring for her baby.

8. Sense of empowerment
Many mothers find breastfeeding to be a powerful and affirming experience that fosters emotional strength.

9. Breastfeeding can serve as a temporary method of family planning
Through the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). This natural contraceptive approach works by delaying the return of ovulation and menstruation after childbirth, thereby reducing the likelihood of getting pregnant.

For LAM to be up to 98% effective under ideal conditions, the mother must exclusively breastfeed on demand, both day and night, without giving the baby any other food or liquids; menstruation must not have resumed, and the baby must be less than six months old.
Once any of these conditions change, an alternative family planning method should be adopted.

Konlaa encouraged mothers to take advantage of these benefits, emphasising that breastfeeding supports both maternal and child health.

MRA/VPO

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