Breastfeeding is by far the best nutrition a baby can receive; there is almost no comparison between breastmilk and formula. While formula can help a baby survive and be healthy when breastmilk is not available or possible, it cannot provide the immune system proteins and other components that are found in breastmilk, nor can it provide the optimal nutritional balance that breastmilk has been designed to give.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?
- Fewer infections, including stomach viruses, respiratory and ear infections
- Lesser chance of SIDS
- Milder infections when they do occur
- Less allergies, asthma, and eczema
- Less chance of becoming obese or having weight problems in the future
- Less chance of overfeeding as an infant
- Immune system teaching and development
- Development of taste
- Higher intelligence
- Bonding with the mother
- Developmental stimulation
- Optimal nutrition; breastmilk even changes with the age of the baby
- Better for the teeth and mouth and development of facial muscles
- Promotes normal intestinal bacteria
- Less chance of diabetes, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease
- May have less chance of childhood and adult cancers
Many of these effects are permanent and can be measured years later.
What are the benefits for the mother?
- Promotes uterine health and return of the uterus to normal size, helps stop bleeding
- Speeds a return to normal hormonal and metabolic balance
- Improves mental health
- Faster weight loss and return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Protects against breast and ovarian cancer
- Natural birth control
- Promotes a natural, healthy 2 year span between children
- Bonding with baby
- Convenient, no bottles to wash, no formula to prepare, no bottles to pack
- Very economical; formula costs about $80 per month, and fewer illnesses mean fewer doctor visits
- Decreased risk of osteoporosis
Any amount of breast feeding that you can do is beneficial, even if it is only for a few days. However, the longer you are able to do it, the more it benefits you and your baby’s health.
){kind=link}