A woman's risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis later in life may also be reduced. Mothers who breast-feed also benefit from hormones released during breastfeeding. Hormones also help mothers relax and focus on their infants. Many breastfeeding mothers report feeling a special closeness with their babies.
Studies also suggest that breastfeeding benefits the family.
Although everyone in the family benefits when a new mother chooses to breastfeed, her infant is still the biggest beneficiary. Other studies suggest breast-feeding may prevent a child from contracting diseases such as diabetes and lymphoma. They are also protecting them from disease and maximizing the chance for optimal neurological development, reducing their health care costs, and improving their own long-term health outlook. Copyright 1999 Baylor College of Medicine. All Rights Reserved.