Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits of breastfeeding for infants include:

1. Protection against gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections. Additionally, the antibodies in breast milk enhance the effectiveness of vaccines
2. Protection against many diseases and conditions, including childhood diabetes, MS, hernias, chronic autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, childhood cancers, obesity, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
3. Protection against allergies, including asthma.
4. Enhanced intelligence and development. Nursing seems to boost IQ as well as general cognitive, psychomotor, and social development.

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers include:

1. Help with postpartum weight loss. It takes an extra 300 to 500 calories per day to produce breast milk. Nursing also releases hormones that stimulate uterine contractions to help reduce bleeding and speed a return to a pre-pregnancy shape.
2. Lower stress. Research shows that nursing enhances mothers’ emotional health postpartum since happy and relaxing chemicals are released when breastfeeding.
3. Reduced health risks. Breastfeeding protects mothers’ health just like it does for babies. Nursing reduces the risk of several types of cancers, osteoporosis, and diabetes. It also reduces fertility, allowing the mother’s body sufficient time to recover from birth before another pregnancy (although lactating shouldn’t be relied upon for birth control).
4. A free, convenient, and hygienic baby food. Nursing mothers don’t need to worry about the safety or cleanliness of bottles, or the cost, ingredients, or preparation of formula.