If you're pregnant or know someone who is pregnant, this month is the perfect time to encourage her to nurse her baby. You probably have heard of many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk may protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, allergic diseases and other chronic digestive diseases. A number of studies also show that a woman who nurses her baby may have less postpartum bleeding and her uterus may return to a smaller size more quickly. She may have little or no menstrual blood loss while nursing.
Some women have an earlier return to pre-pregnant weight.
Women who breastfeed seem to have better absorption of minerals, such as calcium, into their bones. This may help reduce the risk of hip fractures later in life. Breastfeeding also may reduce a woman's risk for ovarian and breast cancer. They may believe things about breastfeeding that make them reluctant to try it. Breastfeeding should be comfortable and satisfying.