Love hormones for improved sleep: Unknown benefits of nursing

Nursing, another name for breastfeeding, is a lovely and natural procedure that fosters intimacy and bonding between a mother and her child. This loving embrace's bonding and connection can have positive psychological consequences including reducing stress and elevating feelings of peace.

Physiotherapist Khusbu Jha, who works at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Kailash Colony, New Delhi, explained to HT Lifestyle in an interview that "breast milk contains all the nutrients that an infant needs in the first six months of life, including fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water." It is utilized effectively and is simple to process. Additionally, breast milk has bioactive components that support the developing immune system of the baby, warding off infections and aiding with nutritional absorption and digestion.

What advantages does breastfeeding have for the mother?

In response, Khusbu Jha said, "In addition to fostering an emotional bond between mother and child, breastfeeding has numerous other advantages for the mother. It reduces inflammation, which in turn helps to lessen the risk of diabetes and sleep difficulties. Improved sleep is one of the biggest—and perhaps most unexpected—psychological advantages of breastfeeding. In fact, mothers who exclusively breastfeed can discover that their sleep is deeper, longer-lasting, and simpler to fall asleep.

She clarified, saying, "Your body produces the hormones oxytocin and prolactin when you nurse. A calm, caring sensation brought on by oxytocin enables you to unwind and concentrate on your child. Additionally, it fosters a deep sense of bonding and love between you and your child. Additionally, breastfeeding promotes the mental and physical health of your child. Overall, breastfed babies cry less and are less likely to get sick as children. Breastfeeding fosters greater hugging and caressing as well as skin-to-skin contact, which strengthens the attachment between mother and child.

In further detail, Khusbu Jha stated, "A lot of specialists believe that early, loving bonding reduces social and behavioral issues in both adults and children. Breastfeeding also teaches babies to trust caretakers and helps mothers learn to read their baby's indications. This influences an infant's early behavior. A 10-year longitudinal study published by the American Psychological Association found that mothers who breastfeed their children for longer show greater maternal sensitivity far beyond the baby and toddler years.