Rates of breastfeeding at six months have nearly doubled since 1997 and overall breastfeeding has become the “norm.”
You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding is best for your baby but did you know it’s best for you too?! It’s true! Breastfeeding offers benefits for children and mothers that cannot be matched by any other form of feeding. The rewards of breastfeeding begin from the first moment after childbirth and last for many years after breastfeeding ends.
Best for BABY Because
- Breast milk contains over 200 nutrients that protect a baby’s health. It changes from day to day to meet the needs of a growing baby making it the perfect food for your baby.
- The body and eye contact that occur during breastfeeding promote bonding. Some say this builds a sense of security and leads the child to have a positive self-image as he grows older.
- Breast milk is easy to digest, so breastfed babies have less gas, colic, food allergy, spitting up and a lower risk of asthma.
- Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
- Breastfed babies have less diarrhea and constipation. They also have fewer respiratory infections and ear infections and are less likely to develop diabetes.
- Breastfed babies are healthier and are less likely to become obese as they get older.
- Breastfed babies are less likely to develop gluten intolerance (celiac disease) and painful digestive diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Breast milk is “brain food.” It provides the best possible nutrition for both physical and mental development of the brain and nervous system.
Best for MOM Because
- Moms who breastfeed are reported to be more confident and less anxious than formula-feeding mothers.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
- Breastfeeding mothers lose their pregnancy weight more easily than those who formula feed.
- Breastfeeding creates a special relationship between mother and baby.
- With breastfeeding, there is no mixing, measuring or bottles to wash.
- Breast milk is always available and is just the right temperature.
- Breastfeeding is cheap; it saves an average of $1,000 in infant feeding costs in the first year.
- Breastfeeding protects the environment and saves energy. No gas, oil, coal or electricity is needed to make breast milk. The only by-products are healthy mothers and babies!