Why Breastfeed?

Every medical association recommends breastfeeding because of the numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding saves lives and health care costs.

If 80% of babies in the U.S. were breastfed for 6 months over 741 children’s lives would be saved.

Let’s take a look at some benefits of breastfeeding! Breast milk is species specific for your baby, it is perfect for the developing baby and the highly complex developing brain. Babies are born with an immature immune system, breast milk coats and protects the baby’s gut preventing bad pathogens from entering the baby’s system. Baby’s who are exclusively breastfeed have a thicker lining of the stomach, amazing right! Breast milk is a living substance (there are stem cells in breast milk) that constantly changes to meet the needs of the baby. If a baby is born earlier the milk offers more protection. There is even differences in the milk for a male or female baby due to different needs. The milk is constantly changing throughout the feed. If baby is sick the saliva goes into the mother through the nipple pore openings and increases immunities.

Other benefits for baby:
-Breastmilk is easily digested causing less tummy upsets and less constipation
-A lower risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than babies who are not breastfed
-A lower risk of getting asthma and skin problems related to allergies. Formula-fed babies are more likely to have milk allergies
-A lower risk of developing leukemia
-Fewer long-term health problems as they grow up. These include diabetes and obesity
-Less ear infections and upper respiratory infections
-Lifelong health protection

Benefits for the mother:
-Helps the uterus return to normal size after giving birth
-Is the natural way to be close to your baby and encourages a strong mother-baby bond. The mothering hormones prolactin and oxytocin help you care for your baby by lowering your blood pressure and helping you to relax physically
-Aids in natural child spacing by delaying the return of periods
-Breast and ovarian cancer. High blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
-Autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
-Endometriosis and endometrial cancer
-Osteoporosis

Breastfeeding benefits dads and partners:
-Breastfeeding is free
-Your breastfed baby is likely to stay healthier, so fewer trips to the doctor or hospital
-Nice smells! A breastfed baby’s diaper hardly smells
-No need to prepare bottles over night
-While mom is breastfeeding you can bond with your baby in other fun ways: cuddles, baths, nappy changes, walks, playtimes and carrying your baby in a sling or other cloth carrier

Additional benefits for baby:
Protection against asthma, Autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis and coeliac disease, Cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, Dental caries, Diarrhea, Ear infections, Epilepsy, Gastroenteritis, High blood pressure and high cholesterol, Hypersensitivity and inflammation, Liver disease, Mental health issues, Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), Respiratory infections including bronchiolitis, and Urinary tract infections.

Additional information and research:
101 reasons to breastfeed