Breastfeeding Benefits for Mamas: Brain & Heart Health, Cancer Protection & More

Breastfeeding isn’t just good for baby—it boosts Mama’s brain health, lowers cancer risk, and protects long-term wellbeing. Discover the science.

WOW Mama Moment ✨

Did you know that breastfeeding isn’t just magic for your baby — it’s also a kind of future-proofing for you? While you’re giving your little one perfectly balanced antibodies, nutrients, and love, you could also be gifting your future self sharper thinking, a healthier heart, and lower disease risk.

And before we dive in, if your feeding journey looks different — whether through pumping, mixed feeding, or formula — you are still doing something extraordinary. This article celebrates one feeding path, but it’s love, connection, and care that matter most. Your baby is thriving because they have you.

Mama breastfeeding a newborn baby

How Breastfeeding Boosts a Mama’s Brain Health Later in Life 🧠

• At UCLA, Dr. Molly Fox and her team studied women over 50 and found something extraordinary: those who had breastfed performed better on cognitive tests — covering memory, learning, processing speed, and problem-solving — than those who never breastfed.
  
  And here’s the real “wow”: the longer a mama breastfed (especially over 12 months in total), the greater her brain health scores later in life. Scientists believe breastfeeding may be neuroprotective, acting as a shield for your brain against cognitive decline.
  
  So while your milk is:

• Free

• Always the perfect temperature

• Tailor-made for your baby

• Packed full of antibodies

…it might also be brain food for you decades later. And if your milk isn’t from your own body? That’s okay too — your bond, your voice, and your cuddles are still building incredible brain-boosting moments for both of you.

Science-Backed Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mamas 🤰🏻

Breastfeeding and Cancer Prevention for Mamas 🎗

- Lowers risk of breast cancer by up to 26%.
- Cuts ovarian cancer risk by up to 37%.
Every extra month counts toward this protection.

Breastfeeding for Heart Health and Lower Diabetes Risk ❤️

- Mamas who breastfed for over a year had an 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reduces type 2 diabetes risk by up to 48%.

Breastfeeding and Postpartum Recovery 🤱🏽

- Releases oxytocin, helping the uterus shrink back faster.
- Reduces postpartum bleeding.
- Burns 300–500 extra calories a day (although, of course your worth is never tied to “bouncing back” you are blooming forwards through your Mama metamorphosis).

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mamas 💗

Breastfeeding isn’t just physical — it can be deeply emotional. The oxytocin and prolactin released during feeding promote calm, connection, and even lower stress.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need breastfeeding to get those love hormones flowing. Skin-to-skin cuddles, holding your baby close, making eye contact — they all light up your brain’s bonding circuits, no matter the feeding method.

Extra Body Benefits You Might Not Expect 🦴

- May reduce osteoporosis risk in later life.
- Could lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Can increase bone density after weaning.

Your body is constantly adapting to mamahood in the most extraordinary ways! Aren’t you just incredible Mama?

Happy Mama holding content baby after breastfeeding

Why These Breastfeeding Benefits Matter for Your Long-Term Health

Feeding decisions often feel focused on the first year — but some effects stretch far beyond. For baby, breastfeeding can mean stronger immunity, bonding, and brain growth. For you, it could mean reduced disease risks, hormone balance, and sharper thinking decades later.

A Note for Mamas Who Can’t or Choose Not to Breastfeed

Mama, if breastfeeding isn’t part of your journey — for any reason — you are still giving your baby everything they need through your love, care, and presence. You’re feeding them with your warmth, your voice, your touch, and your unwavering commitment. That’s the real magic. 💗

Insights to Remember

- Breastfeeding can nourish your long-term brain health.
- The longer your feeding journey, the greater the benefits & any breastfeeding can help.
- Benefits include lower risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
- Your body is doing something that is exquisitely designed – she has such innate wisdom!
- Love, connection, and care matter most — no matter how your baby is fed.

If you enjoyed this post, why not investigate the other posts I have written for you – or join me in person or online for more inspiring Antenatal, Hypnobirthing and Yoga Birth and Baby preparation – check out my offerings here: https://www.joyfullmamas.com/monthly-calendar-1

Until soon, with beams of love & light, Dulcie, Founder of JoyFULL Mamas 💕

Sources

1. Fox M, et al. Breastfeeding and Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Women. UCLA Health, 2021.
2. Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. Lancet. 2002;360(9328):187-195.
3. Chowdhury R, et al. Breastfeeding and Maternal Health Outcomes: Systematic Review. Acta Paediatrica. 2015;104(467):96–113.
4. Schwarz EB, et al. Duration of Lactation and Risk Factors for Maternal Cardiovascular Disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;113(5):974–982.