Studies have shown that breastfeeding is the best option for your baby, and reduces the risk of things like colds and ear infections, as well as allergies and asthma down the road. Plus, a mother's milk has been shown to be much easier to digest than synthetic formula.
That's great for your little one... but what about you as a mom? Are there benefits to you by breastfeeding?
The short answer is YES.
For one, the bonding between mom and child cannot be denied. Additionally, research has shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
And, the breastfeeding process produces a hormone called oxytocin, which reduces inflammation and even induces happiness.
They key thing to remember, however, is that breastfeeding is only the best option when you are living a healthy lifestyle. Moms who ingest a lot of chemicals (such as BPA) or eat genetically modified foods (GMOs), or simply don't get enough of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need may be doing a disservice to their newborn by breastfeeding.
Dr. Fab Mancini, author of Self Healing, joins Andrea and Lisa to discuss these health benefits and more... not only for your child, but for you as a mom too.