The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and then continuing to provide breast milk while introducing solid foods for the next six months. While there are numerous breastfeeding benefits to the baby , there are also benefits to the mother.
For example, breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of:
- Breast and ovarian cancers
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
Breastfeeding can also protect the baby and the mother from short-term illnesses, because the mother’s immune system responds to provide specific protection to both while breastfeeding.
Some other benefits for the mother come from the fact that breastfeeding can:
- Burn extra calories
- Release the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size
- Save the time and money from having to buy formula
- Give the mother and baby extra bonding time to relax
For more information about breastfeeding, contact the Health Information Center. The Health Information Center is a library staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists. The Health Information Center can do research on any health topic and get the results to you for free. Contact them at 865-305-9525 or library@utmck.edu.
The Health Information Center is located on the first floor the hospital. In addition to health information, you can find computers, printers, and a quiet place to take a break. Becoming a library member is free and only requires a picture ID.