Article: It helps to diminish stress by releasing positive chemicals into your brain, which can help to cope with the many adaptations and changes of first having a baby. Breastfeeding also diminishes post-pregnancy bleeding. This is because it stimulates the release of a particular hormone, called oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract more quickly and lessens bleeding after the birth. Oxytocin (known as the "love hormone") also promotes bonding with your baby, and helps to strengthen the relationship you share. Breastfeeding, if done continually, can sometimes serve as contraception (birth control) for up to six months. This is because the hormone balance created in your body while breastfeeding is not conducive to becoming pregnant with another child. This is not, however, the case for all women some women will get pregnant while nursing, so don't consider it a fool-proof method of birth control. If you don't want to get pregnant again while nursing, then you need to utilize another form of birth control. Breastfeeding will also postpone the return of your period. Moms that breastfeed and eat a well-balanced diet as they try to lose weight find it easier to shed pounds than mothers who bottle feed. Breastfeeding automatically burns calories every time you produce new milk, which equates to approximately 500 calories per day for the average nursing mother. You will not have to purchase bottles, refill bags, replacement nipples, bottle cleaners or the many cases of formula it will take to feed your baby if you are not breastfeeding. Infant feeding costs are estimated to cost around $1,000 USD for the first year. Also, due to the increased immune system function of a baby who is breastfed, you will save yourself money from visits to the paediatrician for potential illnesses. It is always available without waiting for preparation. There is no need to get up to prepare a bottle or heat the formula before offering it to your baby. Also, consider your breastfeeding as an environmentally friendly gesture. Think of all the trash you will not be contributing as waste. It has been proven medically that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, postpartum depression, and type 2 diabetes.

What is a summary?
Be aware of the hormonal benefits that breastfeeding offers your body. Know the possible contraceptive effects of breastfeeding. Help yourself to lose weight post-pregnancy via breastfeeding. Save money by breastfeeding. Welcome the ease of feeding your baby from the breast. Know that research shows overall health benefits for the mother, too.