Exclusive breastfeeding is not just something you do… it is something you live. And then grow passionate about. The passion comes not from a falsely-inflated, imperialist, haughty view of self. It does not come out of a boastful spirit or a need to parade our accomplishment in front of mothers who do not have the same breastfeeding success… On the contrary!
Woman love to communicate, to share and bond with other women about their passions. Isn’t this why friendships, community, and social media are so important? When we find something that works, something that enhances our lives, that has endless benefits to our children, how can we keep that from our friends and social media contacts? Why would a breastfeeding momma not want to share, not have a “contagious” personality regarding breastfeeding?
We are boisterous about our breastfeeding perks, successes and triumphs because we want other women to experience the same goodness! We know the benefits of breastfeeding are vast, for mom and baby. But what about the biology and psychology of breastfeeding; how does that make us so passionate? Well, here are just a few small perks, that encourage our loud passion:
Endorphins
Did you know that Endorphins are referred to as the body’s natural opioids? That’s right, the drugs that relieve pain, and cause a “euphoric response”. Hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine… these are the meds your Dr. prescribes to help you get through a painful surgical recovery or injury. Opiods. Isn’t it amazing that our body naturally releases this kind of hormone when we breastfeed? This wonderful, endogenous, pain-relief, without any negative side effect!
Yes, endorphins can also be released when we exercise, which is wonderful… but what mother, after giving birth, is ready to run a mile? Who wouldn’t rather sit on the couch, or lay in bed and naturally create this “happy drug” hormone?
Oxytocin
And, bring on the stress relief, too please! Being a new mom is hard! We spend endless hours of our day caring for a helpless little one who constantly needs… and very little (if any) time thinking about our own needs. So isn’t it wonderful that our bodies are naturally caring for us, while we nourish our little one? Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone known to promote relaxation. (What mom doesn’t need some help relaxing?)
Oxytocin is known to promote “nurturing”. This may seem like a natural response to motherhood, but not every mom feels an immediate attachment to their newborn child, whether they would like to or not. Breastfeeding helps to create this immediate and lasting bond.
Prolactin
Another great hormone released every time a mom nurses is prolactin. This is the “mothering hormone,” because it is the hormone responsible for making milk. Biologists also believe it has a tranquilizing effect (aka: another hormone to help busy mom relax).
With this wonderful amount of hormones surging through our bodies every time we nurse, how can we not be loudly passionate about breastfeeding?
And let’s be honest, our success in our breastfeeding relationship is a great, and an earned, accomplishment. It does give us a satisfaction that only breastfeeding can, because we were biologically created to breastfeed, and to reap the benefits from it.
Sources:
BabaSlings. “33 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby”. We Made Me. November 9 2011. Web. April 2016. http://www.wemademe.com/bloggeneral/33-reasons-to-breastfeed-your-baby/
“Breastfeeding”. Health Central Encyclopedia. Web. April 2016.
http://www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/hc/breastfeeding-3168758/
Dr. Sarah Buckley. “The Pleasure of Extended Breastfeeding”. Birthing Alternatives. July 1998. Web. April 10 2016.
http://www.birthingalternatives.com/Resources/Breastfeeding/Breastfeeding%20extended.pdf
“How breastfeeding benefits you and your baby”. Baby Center. April 2015. Web. April 2016. http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby_8910.bc?showAll=true
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “How do opioids affect the brain and body?” National Institute on Drug Abuse. November 2014. Web. April 15 2016.
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