Benefits
of
Breastfeeding
- Breast milk is considered medicine for your baby. It’s the best way to feed your baby if you are able to breastfeed.
- Smarter babies
- Perfect nutrition for babies
- Less infections
- Mom will lose weight quicker
- Babies don’t have a problem digesting breast milk whereas some babies are lactose intolerant and therefore can’t digest cow’s milk (formula) very well
- Reduced health care costs
- Helps shrink uterus back to original size for mom
- Decreases the risk of ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer in the mom
- Premature babies who are breastfed get healthier more quickly, so they are therefore discharged from the NICU faster as well as have less relapse time
- Saves time and money
- Creates strong bond between mother and baby
- Good for the environment
- Breastfeeding protects against
some
conditions including:
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Diabetes
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Obesity
- Respiratory infections
- Childhood cancers
Sources:
- http://health.state.tn.us/WIC/PDFs/Women/Breastfeeding_Baby_Best_Start.pdf
- http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=227
- http://health.state.tn.us/WIC/PDFs/Women/Breastfeeding_Is_Best.pdf
- http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Issue-Papers/Benefits.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html
- http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/Benefits.htm
- http://www.llli.org/FAQ/advantages.html
- http://www.breast-feeding-information.com/breastfeeding-saves-lives.php
- ACOG. "Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects." Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women Committee on Obstetric Practice. January-February 2007; Vol. 12, Issue 1 (Supplement): Special Report From ACOG.
- Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Nutrition Services, Oregon Department of Human Services, Nutrition & Health Screening – WIC Program, Oregon Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group. “Nutrition Practice Care Guidelines for Preterm Infants in the Community.” August 2006.
Disclaimer: This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice. Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.