What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

FOR BABY

There's no doubt breast milk is the ideal food for baby. It contains the ideal mix of enzymes and antibodies, making breastfed babies less likely to have diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, stomach bugs, and colds. Plus, nursing decreases future risk of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood leukemia, and other forms of cancer. Breastfed babies may also lower baby's risk of dying from SIDS, and it's even been linked to higher IQs.

 

1. Due to the anti-infective properties of breastmilk, breastfed babies tend to have less incidence of or less pronounced symptoms of ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting.
2. Due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated.

3. The stools of breastfed babies are mild-smelling.

4. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is less common in breastfed babies.

5. Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the baby. It has the exact combination of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars needed for the human infant at various stages of his growth.

6. Breastfed babies are constantly exposed to a variety of tastes through their mother's milk.
7. Breastfed children are at less risk for chrohn's disease and juvenile diabetes.

8. Children who were breastfed are less likely to need orthodontic work such as braces due to the unique sucking action required with breastfeeding. They also seem to have better overall dental health than formula-fed children. Children who were breastfed need speech therapy less often than those who were bottle-fed.

9. IQ levels are an average of 8 points higher in children who were breastfed.

10. Adult daughters who were breastfed are at less risk for breast cancer.

11. Adults who were breastfed have a lower risk for high cholesterol and asthma.

12. The bond between mother and child seems to be enhanced with breastfeeding.

 

FOR MOTHER

There are perks for you too. For one, it won't cost you a penny. Plus, it requires no preparation, is always on hand wherever you go, and it comes out at the perfect temperature. Even better, it can help you drop your pregnancy pounds faster; help you heal more quickly down below; lower your stress levels; and it has been linked to decreased breast cancer, uterine cancer, and osteoporosis rates. And, of course, breastfeeding creates a natural, beautiful time for mama/baby bonding.

1. Nursing immediately following delivery causes the uterus to contract lessening the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
2. The uterus of a breastfeeding mother shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.

3. Calories are burned while breastfeeding. It takes approximately 20 calories to produce an ounce of milk.

4. Women who nurse their babies for at least 6 months lessen their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer.

5. Osteoporosis and cervical cancer are less common in women who breastfed.

6. The return of fertility is delayed with breastfeeding.

7. Breastfeeding is more economical than formula feeding. The cost of formula for 12 months is approximately $1000 - $1200.

8. Breastmilk is always available, clean, and the right temperature.

9. Many mothers feel a special satisfaction in knowing that they alone are meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.