There are many benefits of breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics,
along with the World Health Organization, recommends exclusive breastfeeding
for the first six months of life as scientific evidence shows breast milk
provides all the nutrients needed for proper growth and development for
most babies.
During the first year of life, breast milk continues to provide your baby
with nutrition, disease protection, and comfort while you slowly introduce
solid foods. Breast milk is healthier than any other food or drink. Many
mothers choose to continue breastfeeding beyond the first year. Research
shows additional long-term benefits are received the longer a baby is
breastfed.
Benefits for baby:
Easily digested
Perfectly matched nutrition
Protection against disease
Fewer allergies
Protection against obesity
Higher IQ scores
Breast milk may protect against many health problems:
Asthma
Bacterial meningitis
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Diarrhea
Hodgkin’s disease
Inner ear infections
Stomach and intestinal problems
Infection in preterm infants
Leukemia and Lymphoma
Respiratory tract infections
SIDS
Urinary tract infections
Mothers and families also benefit from breastfeeding.
Breast milk is always available and just the right temperature. Your baby
won’t have to wait! Decreased costs on the family budget are another
great benefit of breastfeeding. Expenses associated with a newborn can
add up quickly. You can produce the most nutritious food for your baby for free!
Benefits for Mothers and Families:
Convenient
Economical
Helps uterus to return to its normal size and decrease bleeding
Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Reduced incidence of breast and ovarian cancers
Lowered risk of maternal postpartum depression
Helps moms to return to their pre-pregnancy weight
Contributes to a very special and loving relationship
A beautiful and intimate way for a mother to bond with her baby
