If you’ve ever felt like giving up on breastfeeding your baby – read on! According to Ms Kellie Kong, Dietitian​ from the​ Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at ​KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group, what’s good for your​ baby is also good for you.

1. Breastfeeding heals your body

   Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which helps your uterus, which was stretched during pregnancy,​ to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy shape and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.

   Breastfeeding also prevents painful breast engorgement, a condition where your breasts are too full with milk. Breast engorgement may occur when you switch from producing colostrum to mature milk or when you miss a few feedings.

2. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of certain types of illnesses

   Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.​​

3. Breastfeeding helps you lose weight faster

   Approximately 500 calories per day are required to produce breast milk, and this, may help with post natal weight loss (1-2kg per month).

4. Breastfeeding saves time and money

   Breastfeeding is convenient and does not require bottles or you to prepare the milk. It is free of germs​ and is uncontaminated as it comes straight from the breast. Breastfeeding saves you time and money as you can nurse your baby anywhere and at any time. It also gives you regular time to relax and bond with your baby.

Ref: O17​​