The impact of lactation on women's health

Breastfeeding is beneficial for women's health. This fact often becomes lost in the infant nutrition orientation of most lactation management information. The sequelae of breastfeeding, and of having breastfed, are not minor: breastfeeding, sometimes referred to as the final stage of labor, reduces the risk of postpartum blood loss by increasing the rate of uterine contraction, lowers the risk of premenopausal breast cancer and also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. In addition to reducing the severity of anemia, there is now some indication that other changes occur that may help protect the mother against bladder and other infections. Furthermore, epidemiological studies seem to indicate that, in spite of the apparent bone loss seen in women during lactation, women who breastfeed may be at reduced risk of spinal and hip fracture after menopause. In addition to the direct health effects, breastfeeding seems to provide a bonding and a sense of well-being for many women, as well as an improved sense of self esteem.