Breastfeeding Health Benefits

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is feeding an infant and/or child human milk aka breast milk via the female breast. Breastfeeding is completely natural and gives your baby the best possible start. Breast milk is designed specifically for your baby having benefits that can not be duplicated in infant formula.

For many reasons breastfeeding is best for your baby.

Breastfeeding Benefits For Your Baby

• Breastfed babies are less likely to be sick. Breast milk contains antibodies that will help your baby in fighting off illness. If your baby still gets sick they are less likely to be sick as long as a formula fed baby would.
• Breastfeeding protects babies against allergies. Eczema is less likely to be a problem if your baby is breastfed. If they still suffer from eczema it will be a milder form than if they were formula fed. And provides protection against getting asthma.
• Higher I.Q. Breastfed babies on average have a higher I.Q than formula fed babies. And enhancing social and cognitive development.
• Breast milk increases and changes with your babies needs.
• Helps to prevent obesity.
• The majority of breast milk can be digested. Leaving little waste and a very small chance of constipation.
• Mild smelling bowel movements. Some have even described this as a sweet smell.
• Colostrum.
• You do not need to purchase a bunch of supplies such as bottles, nipples ect. And worry about which one your baby will like best.
• Available immediately. A hungry does not need to wait.

Breastfeeding Benefits For You

• Lowers the mother's risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and fractures from osteoporosis.
• To breastfeed you need to burn calories to make the milk and therefore helping the mother lose weight.
• Can delay your period from coming back. Some women don't get their period back until they have completely stopped breastfeeding. This is sometimes used as birth control and can be effective as long as you do not suddenly ovulate.
• Breastfeeding is good for a mother's mental health. It also helps create a strong bond between mother and baby.
• Lowers the mothers insulin requirements in diabetic women. Sense of achievement.
• Watching your baby grow by eating something your body has made is a wonderful feeling.

Breastfeeding Benefits For Everyone

• Cheaper than formula feeding. You do not need to spend $20-40 a can on formula. Some specialty formula's even cost around the $70-80 range!
• Less mess. Breastfed babies on average have less bowel movements than formula fed babies. Even safely going up to 10 days without a bowel movement. Meaning less smelly diapers.
• It's not only cheaper for the family but cheaper for society as well. With less medical problems the less the government has to spend on medical expenses.
• Better for the environment. A lot less garbage going into the landfills.
• Convenience. There is no sterilizing, washing or preparing bottles.
• You don't have to worry about running out of milk when the stores have all closed.
• No warming up bottles. Breast Milkis always the perfect temperature.
• No wasted milk.

Whether or not you choose to breast fed there is no denying that breast milk is better for everyone. Better for the family, better for the mother, and most important better for your baby.