Before I became a mom I focused on my breasts' ability to fill out an outfit (or not in my pre-baby state). I gave little thought to their ability to provide nourishment. However, now that I have become a mom two times over and have chosen to breastfeed both of my children well into toddlerhood, I am a huge proponent of how breastfeeding benefits babies and mommies.
That said, as a working mom I understand that breastfeeding while working requires is an exercise in love, commitment and corporate support. It simply cannot work unless you believe that it is essential for your baby’s health and you have the ability to pump at work. (Here's another shout out to IBM and its wonderfully supportive breastfeeding program. For more information click here.)
Breastfeeding while working is not without significant challenges, but here is why those challenges are absolutely worth it.
Five Ways Breastfeeding Benefits Mother and Baby
1. Breastfeeding fosters the bonding relationship between mother and baby.
2. Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink faster.
3. Breastfeeding burns approximately 500 calories per day, which is like getting a cuddly workout!
4. Breastfeeding is free, which is helpful because diapers are not.
5. Breastfeeding gives mothers, especially working moms, a greater sense of purpose. As a working mom, who has a nanny, I appreciate that breastfeeding my baby is a job that is all mine. It has eased the inevitable conflict that goes along with being a working mom.
Bonus: Breastfeeding can make your kid smarter. Click here to read about how breastfeeding may help get your kid into Harvard.
To be clear, I understand that not every mother is able to breastfeed her child. However, think that we should all try. After all, who doesn't want to give their baby good nutrition. The calorie burning thing does hurt either!
2. Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink faster.
3. Breastfeeding burns approximately 500 calories per day, which is like getting a cuddly workout!
4. Breastfeeding is free, which is helpful because diapers are not.
5. Breastfeeding gives mothers, especially working moms, a greater sense of purpose. As a working mom, who has a nanny, I appreciate that breastfeeding my baby is a job that is all mine. It has eased the inevitable conflict that goes along with being a working mom.
Bonus: Breastfeeding can make your kid smarter. Click here to read about how breastfeeding may help get your kid into Harvard.
To be clear, I understand that not every mother is able to breastfeed her child. However, think that we should all try. After all, who doesn't want to give their baby good nutrition. The calorie burning thing does hurt either!
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