What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Women?

28 de outubro de 2025

2 min de leitura

Abrir guia Abrir coleção Abrir série

There is no doubt that breastfeeding is ideal for a newborn baby. But how does it affect the mother's body?

Pontos principais

There is no doubt that breastfeeding is ideal for a newborn baby.
Six advantages
Are there risks?

Para quem é

Pessoas explorando Saúde da mulher através de breast, breastfeeding.

Por que importa

Este artigo ajuda você a se orientar rapidamente e depois avançar para uma coleção ou série, se quiser continuar.

Autor do artigo

Dr. Nicholas

Chefe do Centro de Mamologia, Cirurgia Endócrina e Reconstrutiva, Cirurgião

Six advantages

Lactation is a natural process and therefore it was originally designed to take care of a woman's health. And it can cause problems only when its natural course is disturbed for one reason or another. Natural feeding allows the following:

Avoids postpartum complications. Every time the baby breastfeeds, the hormone oxytocin is released, which is responsible for the contraction of the uterus. This allows the placenta to detach and prevents postpartum bleeding. With regular breastfeeding of about two months, the uterus recovers its shape, and the organs next to it return to their usual places.
Prevents the development of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a metabolic disorder that leads to the development of inappropriate tissue response to insulin, impaired fat metabolism, and obesity. The longer a woman has been breastfeeding in her life, the lower the risk of developing this problem.
Reduces the risk of osteoporosis. During pregnancy and lactation calcium is absorbed better, which promotes bone mineralization and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Protects against cancer of the reproductive system. The hormone prolactin, which affects milk production, suppresses estrogens. This is responsible for the growth of cancer cells. The longer the periods of breastfeeding in a woman's life, the lower the risk of developing breast cancer. This explains the relatively low incidence of breast cancer in developing countries. Additionally, the risk of development of ovarian and uterine cancer is essentially reduced.
Promotes weight loss. During natural feeding, the body burns up to 500 calories per day! To lose that much in normal conditions, you would have to ride a bicycle for at least an hour. So why don't all moms manage to lose weight quickly? It's a question of organizing the lactation process and following the diet. Recommendations to eat for three during lactation are long outdated.
Maintain a healthy psyche. Mothers who have established natural feeding sleep better and longer, spend more time with the baby, and can more easily soothe and support the baby. As a consequence, they are less likely to develop postpartum depression.

Are there risks?

It would seem that with so many pluses, everyone should strive to breastfeed their baby. However, there are also disadvantages — although not all young mothers have to deal with them. Certain anatomical features of a woman’s breasts: such as inverted/flat nipples or narrow milk ducts can make it more difficult or impossible to breastfeed.

Incorrect attachment to the breast can lead to cracks that make breastfeeding painful. In some cases, lactostasis (stagnant milk) can occur. If this condition is not treated in time, it can lead to mastitis—an inflammatory process in the breast.

During breastfeeding, many women fear changes in the shape of the breast. These changes are more likely caused by the processes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, giving up breastfeeding will only worsen the appearance of the breasts as the fatty tissue will not be able to recover quickly.

Continuar lendo

Saúde da mulher#breast

Should You Wear a Bra?

The French professor Jean-Denis Rouillon began studying the health of women's breasts back in 1977. He was particularly careful to study the relationship between breast sagging and the wearing of a bra. In 2013 he published the results of his work, which had a bombshell effect as the professor recommended that women should give up bras.

Dr. Oleh28 de out. de 2025

Saúde da mulher#ginecologia

É necessário uma dieta especial para resolver problemas ginecológicos?

É necessário uma dieta especial para problemas ginecológicos? Na maioria dos casos, isso não é necessário. No entanto, existem exceções.

Dr. Helga9 de dez. de 2025

Pediatria#gravidez

What Breastfeeding Mothers Should and Shouldn't Eat

Does breastfeeding always necessitate a strict diet, or is it all just the worries of overcautious pediatricians? Let's find out what a breastfeeding mom should eat to help her baby grow healthy.

Dra. Natalie28 de out. de 2025

Saúde da mulher#vision

Computer Visual Syndrome: A 21st Century Disease

Fatigue and redness of the eyes, dryness, burning sensations, blurred vision — these issues are quite common among users of computers and smartphones. How do you protect your eyes?

Dra. Irene28 de out. de 2025

Instale o Ornament para não apenas ler estes artigos, mas também acompanhar sua saúde, armazenar resultados de exames e acessar outros recursos úteis

Instalar Ornament