The medical community shares the advantages of breastfeeding for babies frequently. What often goes unmentioned by these professionals, however, is the benefit of breastfeeding to the moms. The benefit to baby is indeed substantial – a better immune system, fewer sickness and allergies, an IQ boost. Mom, though, may need her pampering in the post-partum period as well, and breastfeeding can offer some comforts.

Many healthcare providers, especially those providers who are interested in treating patients in a holistic setting, report that breastfeeding moms often feel relaxed and more comfortable with the motherhood experience than their bottle-feeding counterparts. This psychological benefit could come from a number of sources. Breastfeeding may permit women in Western societies to get in touch with their pre-industrial counterparts, focusing on the necessity of the body instead of its aesthetics. Breastfeeding women can spend quiet time with their babies without the interference of the world, and this time alone may permit a new mom to feel more comfortable with her little one and the post-partum body.

Psychological gains for breastfeeding moms also could rise from the lack of stress associated with bottle-feeding. Mom can sleep close to her baby and feed him or her on demand – or on schedule – during the night instead of needing to interrupt sleep for long periods to make a bottle for an already-fussy infant. Mom also can run errands or visit friends without lugging bottles, warmers, formula, and then needing to mix and warm it to give to the baby.

Mother-baby bonding is another psychological benefit to breastfeeding. Many researchers argue that findings on bonding are not conclusive, and certainly bottle-feeding moms can form strong attachments to their children. Still, a recent University of Kentucky study released preliminary findings suggesting that moms who breastfeed are able to form a unique tie with their children.

This tie has benefits to the children and is considered a possible reason for the increased IQ for babies who breastfed. For moms, this bonding time could contribute to lower rates of post-partum depression although those findings are preliminary as well. The tie formed during breastfeeding sessions, some examiners contend, could contribute to the lower rate of child abuse and abandonment among breastfeeding families as mothers may develop a stronger attachment to their children. Psychologically, then, breastfeeding should be a happy and helpful experience for mom and baby.