There are so many reasons why breastfeeding is a good idea. It is the biologically normal way to feed your baby and there is no escaping that fact. A woman’s breasts are designed to nourish and feed her baby. As soon as the woman’s body is pregnant it begins to prepare itself for the baby’s arrival and a huge part of those preparations involves the breasts.

In fact, many women will notice heavier or fuller breasts as their earliest pregnancy symptom. On top of this, the breasts will change shape, the nipples and areola will become darker and eventually, your breasts will begin to produce (and possibly leak) colostrum in the later parts of the pregnancy.

Another benefit of breastfeeding is the happiness that it brings to your life. It is undeniable. That is not to say that some women do not get off to a rocky start or that struggles and obstacles do not exist because they certainly do. However, when everything settles you will soon notice that breastfeeding really does make you feel happy and here are just five of the reasons why.

1. Oxytocin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the pituitary gland in your brain. It is the hormone that makes you feel relaxed as well as lowering anxiety and stress. It is also connected with how we feel in relationships and how we experience trust and love. This feel-good hormone is at an all-time high when you are breastfeeding. Feeding your baby stimulates its release from the brain and it encourages a feeling of love and bonding between you and the baby. It can also make you feel relaxed and sleepy which is a lovely warm feeling that washes over you as you feed your little one.

2. Imagine how happy it would make you feel to have a superpower. That is what breastfeeding feels like. When your baby is upset, teething or sleepy you have an instant aid and solution that works 99% of the time. I cannot emphasise how amazing this feels. It really feels like you are a superhero. Many breastfeeding mums will refer to traumatic times where their baby became hurt or ended up in hospital and breastfeeding instantly soothed them throughout the whole process.

3. Food has never tasted better. Breastfeeding mothers will refer to a wicked sweet tooth and craving comfort food and carbohydrates. For whatever reason food tastes unbelievable when you are breastfeeding and let’s face it - food makes you happy.

4. Feeling so needed is a really wonderful feeling. Knowing that only you can step up when the baby needs to be fed is pretty incredible. It is so fulfilling and heart-warming to be responsible for nourishing your tiny baby.

5. It might just help you lose the pregnancy weight without having to think about it very much. Breastfeeding burns an extra 300-400 calories per day which means that some breastfeeding mums find it easier to lose the pregnancy weight in a natural way. The uterus also contracts while you are breastfeeding which can help your uterus return to its former size and shape.