Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1 Natural Way, a TRICARE breast pump provider. All opinions are entirely my own.

May is the month to honor military spouses and moms. What better way to honor both than to focus on the importance of breastfeeding. This is not only important for all moms whether new or experienced, but most especially military moms.  With separations by deployment, moving constantly, and stressors associated with the military lifestyle, military spouses can reap many benefits by breastfeeding their baby. Breastfeeding is not only good for mothers, but it is also extremely beneficial to babies. Below are the top five reasons why you should breastfeed now.

1-Bonding

Breastfeeding and that skin to skin contact creates a bonding like no other with your newborn baby.  According to Meek M.D. and Yu (2011), “Breastfeeding promotes a growing attachment between the two of you that will continue to play an important role in your baby’s development for years to come” (The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated Second Edition). This bonding time is especially important if your spouse is away and can help your baby feel more secure.

2-Builds your Baby’s Immune System

With all the moving around military families do, building your child’s immune system is a huge plus. “Human milk provides virtually all the protein, sugar, and fat your baby needs to be healthy, and it also contains many substances that benefit your baby’s immune system, including antibodies, immune factors, enzymes, and white blood cells” as stated by Meek M.D. and Yu.  Breast milk provides numerous nutrients to your baby that helps protect him or her from many different current and future diseases.

3-Cost effective

Finances are always a hot topic in the military community.  Breastfeeding is not only is beneficial to you and your baby, but it is also economical and good for your bank account. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2011) explains that “When an infant is breastfed, the family saves approximately $1,500/year in direct costs for feeding supplies and formula. The family also saves indirect costs related to fewer medical bills and fewer lost days of work because the infant is healthier” (The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding).

4-Reduces the risk of breast cancer

Did you know that this simple act of feeding your baby with breast milk can reduce your risk of breast cancer? “Breastfeeding also has been associated with reduced risk of maternal disease later in life including breast cancer, diabetes (type II), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis” as confirmed in (2015) by the Association of Women’s Health in Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN, in press).

5- Weight Loss

Get ready for that homecoming quicker. Breastfeeding is known to aid in weight loss. AWHONN (2015) stated that “Postpartum benefits include decreased blood loss, lower risk of postpartum infection and anemia, and greater weight loss” (AWHONN, in press). The amount of weight a woman loses depends on other factors beyond breast feeding, but it does assist with postpartum weight loss.

Did you know that you can obtain a Tricare breast pump at no out of pocket cost to you? Models included are; Medela Freestyle, Spectra S1 Breast Pump, and the Medela Pump in Style Tote/Backpack. To make obtaining a breast pump easier for military spouse moms, 1 Natural Way will talk to your insurance company (Tricare) and your doctor on your behalf, after the proper paperwork has been completed.  1 Natural Way offers more than just breast pumps to help new moms. They also offer breast pump accessories, compression socks, and postpartum care supplies.

To get started, click here to complete the online form.

References

Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. AWHONN Position Statement: Breastfeeding. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.  Vol. 44. Issue 1. (2015). 145-150. Print

Meek, M.D., and Yu, W. (2011). The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated Second Edition. New York, New York: Bantam Books.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/breastfeeding/

© Strength 4 Spouses, LLC 2018.

Wendi is a mother to an angel son, an angel fur daughter, and a Beagle puppy named Daizi Hope.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Instructional Media. Wendi is an Army wife, freelance writer, blogger, and Instructional Designer. She enjoys spending time outdoors exercising, gardening, and learning how to live, eat, and breathe a holistic lifestyle.