Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers

"While most new and expecting mothers may know that breastfeeding has many benefits for babies, they may not understand just how many ways that breastfeeding helps women. A woman who nurses her baby is not only providing her child with the best possible chance at lifelong good health, she's ensuring her own health as well. Research shows that women who choose to breastfeed will actually reduce their risk for quite a few illnesses and diseases."

- From "Breastfeeding basics: benefits for mothers"

Breastfeeding helps to protect mothers from a variety of illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, and more. The longer a woman breastfeeds over her lifetime, the greater amount of protection she receives from illness and disease.

Other Sources:

"Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers, Study Finds" - NYTimes.com

"Tell me about breastfeeding and cancer risk" - AICR.Org

"7 ways breastfeeding benefits mothers" - AskDrSears.com

"How breastfeeding benefits mothers' health" - ScientificAmerican.Com