What are the benefits of Breastfeeding?

By now most people have heard the saying "Breast is Best" when comparing breastmilk to formula. Public health agencies and organizations such as La Leche League have been touting the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby for years. Though more women are choosing to breastfeed, less than 20% of mothers are still breastfeeding their babies at 6 months. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding into the second year of life, and beyond whenever possible. From a statement by the World Health Organization-Nutrition for Health and Development-Forty-Seventh World Health Assembly June 2001 No breastmilk substitute, not even the most sophisticated and nutritionally balanced formula can begin to offer the numerous unique health advantages that breastmilk provides for babies. Nor can artificial feeding do more than approximate the act of breastfeeding in physiological and emotional significance, for babies and mothers alike. When infants are not breastfed or are breastfed only partially, feeding with formula remains a deviation from the biological norm for virtually all infants.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby?

You will be giving your child the healthiest food available Your baby gets to be held, snuggled and cuddled by mom. Breastfeeding protects your baby from infections. Breastmilk containts living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins, and compounds with unique structures, that can not be replicated in infant formula. Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections. Breastfed babies are half as likely to have respiratory infections. Breastfed babies are less likely to die from S.I.D.S. Breastfed babies are less likely to have allergies. Breastfed babies have higher IQ's.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for Mom?

Fertility is delayed, so mom won't get pregnant as soon. Mother's risk of breast cancer is decreased. Mother's risk of ovarian cancer is decreased. Mother's risk of uterine cancer is decreased. Mother's risk of endometrial cancer is decreased. Mother's risk of osteoporosis is decreased. Breastfeeding mothers lose weight faster than bottle feeding mothers, Making breastmilk burns calories! Breastfeeding mothers have better emotional health than bottle feeding mothers. Less anxiety and postpartum stress. Breastfeeding is more convenient and saves you money.

What are the benefits of extended breastfeeding?

Baby still gets protein, nutrients, calories, and antibodies from mother's milk. Toddlers who are breastfed have better health than bottlefed toddlers. Toddlers who are breastfed have a lower risk of getting diabetes mellitus. Toddlers who are breastfed have lower incidences of childhood cancers. Toddlers who are breastfed are protected from leukemia and lymphoma. Toddlers who are breastfed are protected from Chron's disease, Hodgkin's disease, and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence also supports the fact that the longer a mother breastfeeds the greater her own protection is from all of the previously mentioned cancers.

For more information on the Benefits of Breastfeeding please visit the following links:
La Leche League
Breastfeeding.com

For information about Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction Surgery please visit the following link:
BFAR Information and Support

For information about Breastfeeding an Adopted Child please visit the following link:
The Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website

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