Breastfeeding is a smart choice for several reasons -- for both baby and mom.

Today, I'd like to write about the economical, psychological, and, finally the medical benefits breastfeeding can have for new moms.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option economically

For obvious reasons, one of the primary benefits of breastfeeding is that it is completely free. A well-nourished mother provides a perfect source of nutrition for her baby, and nature's gift is that it comes with no additional cost above feeding the mother.

As if that's not enough, another concern a new mother might have is getting pregnant too quickly. Fortunately, an added benefit of breastfeeding is that it is nature's way of naturally delaying pregnancy. The act of breastfeeding can easily delay a woman's period for six months or more. According to scientists, this effect - referred to as the "lactational amenorrhea method" -- is virtually 100% effective during this time period.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option psychologically

Breastfeeding helps forge a strong bond between a new baby and his or her mother. The body-to-body contact, combined with the mother's peace of mind in knowing that she is the only source of nutrition for her new baby can't compare to any other feeling.

Additionally, while she is breastfeeding, a new mother's body releases prolactin. This hormone brings with it a demeanor of contentment and calmness, which is a helpful source in staving off postpartum depression, which is a notorious problem for new mothers.

Psychologists have also determined that this psychological calmness permeates a breastfeeding mother's entire lifespan. She will have higher levels of oxytocin present in her system through the rest of her life, which keeps psychological issues at bay.

Why breastfeeding is a smart option medically

When a new baby suckles, it releases oxytocin in the mother -- and this initiates the production of breast milk.

This chemical also begins to contract the size of the new mother's uterus. Since it will return the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size, it also aids in eliminating the risk of hemorrhaging.

As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding also should stave off a woman's period from coming back for a period of roughly six months. This is advantageous from a medical standpoint because it allows a woman's body to keep its levels of iron high, which simultaneously prevents anemia.

One of the most welcoming benefits of breastfeeding is that it also aids in losing weight a woman gained during her pregnancy.

It takes approximately 500 calories per day to produce breast milk.

One medical study recently concluded that women who choose not to breastfeed will, on average, keep an extra 7.5 centimeters of fat on her waist.

Looking more long term, breastfeeding lowers a woman's blood sugar levels. After breastfeeding, many women have better blood sugar levels than she did even prior to being pregnant. Breastfeeding may also lower a nursing woman's chances of catching diabetes when she is older.

Along similar lines, a breastfeeding woman also has higher levels of HDL, which is the good cholesterol. Combined with the lower levels of blood sugar, this lowers a woman's risk of contracting heart problems. This is an important point because one of the leading causes of female mortality is heart disease.

Breastfeeding also lowers a woman's risk of osteoporosis, as well as cancers pertaining to her breasts, uterus, and ovaries.