Emergency Help! +254 725 258 821
user
Login
Join Now
Advanced
Search
  1. Home
  2. Lessons
  3. Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding (Physical and Mental)
Course Content
Why Breastfeeding Matters (10 minutes)
Health and developmental benefits for infants Maternal benefits (physical and mental) Economic and community-level advantages Common myths and culturally specific misconceptions
0/4
Health & Developmental Benefits for Infants from Breastfeeding
Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding (Physical and Mental)
Economic and Community-Level Advantages of Breastfeeding
Common Myths and Culturally Specific Misconceptions about Breastfeeding
Newborn Feeding Cues & Anatomy (20 minutes)
Early vs. late hunger cues and what they mean Normal newborn feeding patterns and stomach capacity Brief breast anatomy (lobes, ducts, nipple, areola) in plain language Signs of effective feeding (swallowing, contentment, diaper output)
0/4
Early vs. Late Hunger Cues in Infants
Normal Newborn Feeding Patterns and Stomach Capacity
Breast Anatomy (in Plain Language)
Signs of Effective Feeding in Breastfed Babies
Positions & Achieving a Good Latch (40 minutes)
Position options: cradle, cross-cradle, football/clutch, side-lying Stepwise approach to help baby latch (prepare — attach — assess) Signs of a good vs. poor latch (comfort, nipple shape, audible swallowing) Small-person adaptations (premature, small mouth, tongue-tie considerations) Safe positioning for mothers with C-section recovery
0/5
Position Options for Breastfeeding
Stepwise Approach to Help Baby Latch
Signs of a Good vs. Poor Latch
Small-Person Adaptations in Breastfeeding
Safe Positioning for Mothers with C-Section Recovery
Protecting & Building Milk Supply (25 minutes)
Establishing supply in the first days and weeks (frequency, skin-to-skin) Night feeds and cluster feeding explained Lifestyle and medical factors that reduce supply (e.g., certain medications, stress) Relactation and increasing milk supply safely Nutrition and hydration myths vs. evidence
0/5
Establishing Milk Supply in the First Days and Weeks
Night Feeds and Cluster Feeding
Lifestyle and Medical Factors That Reduce Supply
Relactation and Increasing Milk Supply Safely
Nutrition and Hydration Myths vs. Evidence in Breastfeeding
Expressing & Storing Breastmilk (20 minutes)
Hand-expression steps and common mistakes Choosing and using pumps (manual vs. electric) — practical tips Safe collection, labeling, storage, thawing and warming guidelines (low-resource options included) Cleaning and hygiene for bottles and storage containers Feeding expressed milk to infant (cup, spoon, paladai, bottle considerations)
0/5
Hand-Expression Steps and Common Mistakes
Choosing and Using Breast Pumps (Manual vs. Electric)
Safe Breast Milk Handling
Cleaning and Hygiene for Bottles and Storage Containers
Feeding Expressed Milk to Infants
Common Problems & Practical Solutions (25 minutes)
Causes of sore nipples and immediate relief techniques Managing engorgement and preventing blocked ducts Recognising mastitis vs. normal engorgement and when antibiotics may be needed Low weight gain: assessment steps and feeding plan adjustments Non-judgmental approach to supplementation and safe short-term options
0/5
Causes of Sore Nipples and Immediate Relief
Managing Engorgement and Preventing Blocked Ducts
Recognising Mastitis vs. Normal Engorgement
Low Weight Gain — Assessment and Feeding Plan Adjustments
Non-Judgmental Approach to Supplementation
Returning to Work or School; Feeding Outside the Home (15 minutes)
Creating an express-and-feed routine (timing, containers, transport) Practical storage and transport tips for different commute types Rights and workplace basics (general guidance; encourage local legal verification) Communicating with caregivers and preparing safe feeder notes Emotional coping and practical fallback plans
0/5
Creating an Express-and-Feed Routine
Practical Storage & Transport Tips for Expressed Breast Milk by Commute Type
Rights and Workplace Basics for Breastfeeding Mothers
Communicating with Caregivers and Preparing Safe Feeder Notes
Emotional Coping and Practical Fallback Plans
Special Situations (20 minutes)
Feeding preterm or low-birthweight infants: kangaroo care, cup or tube feeding basics Managing twins/multiples: tandem feeding tips and time-saving routines Mothers on medication or with infectious illness: how to check drug safety and local guidelines (HIV, TB, etc.) Using donor milk or milk banks (where available) — safety basics
0/4
Feeding Preterm or Low-Birthweight Infants
Managing Twins/Multiples — Tandem Feeding Tips and Time-Saving Routines
Mothers on Medication or with Infectious Illness — Drug Safety & Guidelines
Using Donor Milk or Milk Banks — Safety Basics
When to Seek Help & Building a Support Network (15 minutes)
Red flags for baby and mother (e.g., poor weight gain, fever, severe pain) Where to seek help: clinic, CHW, lactation consultant, emergency care Building a support network: partners, family, peer counsellors, community groups Using telephone/text supports, community groups, and referral pathways
0/4
Red Flags for Baby and Mother
Where to Seek Help for Breastfeeding Challenges
Building a Support Network for Breastfeeding Mothers
Using Telephone/Text Supports, Community Groups, and Referral Pathways
Wrap-up, Resources & Final Assessment (15 minutes)
Key takeaways and common pitfalls to avoid Next steps: seeking local support, advanced training options How to use course materials beyond the course (groups, sharing, peer support) Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
0/4
Key Takeaways and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Next Steps — Seeking Local Support & Advanced Training Options
How to Use Course Materials Beyond the Course
Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
How to Breastfeed — Self-Paced, Evidence-Based Course for African Moms

Introduction

Breastfeeding is often emphasized for its benefits to infants, but mothers also experience significant physical and psychological health advantages. Understanding these maternal benefits helps reinforce motivation, improve breastfeeding continuation, and support policies that protect breastfeeding rights.

Physical Benefits for Mothers

  1. Postpartum Recovery

    • Stimulates uterine contractions through oxytocin release, reducing postpartum bleeding (lochia).

    • Helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size faster.

  2. Weight Management

    • Increases caloric expenditure (an extra ~400–500 kcal/day).

    • Supports gradual, healthy postpartum weight loss.

  3. Delayed Fertility (Lactational Amenorrhea Method – LAM)

    • Exclusive breastfeeding suppresses ovulation in the first 6 months, offering natural contraception (up to 98% effective if criteria are met).

  4. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

    • Breast cancer: Lower risk with longer cumulative breastfeeding duration.

    • Ovarian cancer: Reduced risk, likely due to suppressed ovulation.

    • Type 2 Diabetes: Lower incidence among mothers who breastfed.

    • Hypertension & Heart disease: Lower long-term risk.

  5. Bone Health

    • Temporary bone density loss during lactation is reversed post-weaning.

    • Long-term: lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis and fractures.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

  1. Enhanced Bonding

    • Oxytocin and prolactin promote feelings of calm, closeness, and maternal-infant attachment.

  2. Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD)

    • Studies show breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk and severity of PPD.

    • Provides a sense of accomplishment and emotional resilience.

  3. Stress Reduction

    • Hormonal release during nursing decreases stress and promotes maternal well-being.

  4. Improved Sleep Quality

    • Despite night feeds, breastfeeding mothers often experience better sleep quality compared to formula-feeding mothers.

Socioeconomic & Lifestyle Benefits

  • Cost Savings: Avoids or reduces expenses on formula, bottles, and healthcare from illness prevention.

  • Convenience: Breast milk is always available, at the right temperature, and free of preparation hassles.

  • Workplace and community advocacy: Increases demand for breastfeeding-friendly environments.

End of Lecture Quiz

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions during breastfeeding?
A. Prolactin
B. Oxytocin
C. Estrogen
D. Progesterone

Answer: B. Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, helping reduce postpartum bleeding.

Q2. Exclusive breastfeeding can act as a natural contraceptive in the first 6 months postpartum if criteria are met. This is known as:
A. Barrier method
B. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
C. Withdrawal method
D. Fertility Awareness

Answer: B. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Rationale: LAM works if the mother is exclusively breastfeeding, amenorrheic, and within 6 months postpartum.

Q3. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother’s lifetime risk of all the following EXCEPT:
A. Breast cancer
B. Ovarian cancer
C. Type 2 Diabetes
D. Lung cancer

Answer: D. Lung cancer
Rationale: Evidence links breastfeeding to lower risk of breast/ovarian cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, not lung cancer.

Q4. Which of the following is a mental health benefit of breastfeeding?
A. Increased stress
B. Higher risk of postpartum depression
C. Enhanced bonding and attachment
D. Sleep deprivation without recovery

Answer: C. Enhanced bonding and attachment
Rationale: Hormones like oxytocin promote calmness and strengthen maternal-infant bonding.

Curated Online Resources (Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding)

Global Guidelines & Evidence

Research & Evidence Summaries

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Key Takeaways

  • Breastfeeding offers powerful physical benefits for mothers — from faster recovery and weight control to reduced risks of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

  • Mental health advantages include reduced stress, enhanced bonding, and lower risk of postpartum depression.

  • Breastfeeding is both a personal health intervention and a public health strategy for preventing chronic diseases in women.

Call to Action

  • Mothers: View breastfeeding as an investment in your health as much as your baby’s.

  • Healthcare providers: Consistently counsel mothers about maternal benefits, not only infant benefits.

  • Communities & policymakers: Support breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, hospitals, and public spaces to maximize both maternal and infant health gains.

Previous
Next
Ushauri Mama - Your MNCH Guide