Breastfeeding benefits
Advantages of Breastfeeding for Baby
Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses – such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.
-World Health Organization
Health Benefits
- Lower risk of developing intestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease.
- Decreased chance of developing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- The baby is automatically provided with the antibodies for illnesses that a mother is exposed to.
- Colostrum(first milk) acts as a natural laxative and aids in the passing of meconium(a baby’s first poop).
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing cancer later in life.
- The rate of SIDS(sudden infant death syndrome) is lower among breastfed babies.
- The protein in human milk is more easily absorbed when compared to the protein in infant formula.
- Breastfeeding decreases the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Breastfed babies have fewer eye infections. When one does develop, a little breast milk in the eye often clears it up!
- Breastfeeding lowers a baby’s risk of developing allergies(both food and environmental).
- Breastfeeding assists with proper jaw development.
- Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, and diarrheal infections.
- The risk of being obese later in life is lowered significantly by being breastfed.
- Sick babies/children will often nurse even when they will not eat or drink, this helps prevent dehydration.
- Breastfed babies generally have healthier skin.
- Breastfed babies are sick less, and therefore spend more time being healthy and happy!
Other Benefits
- Breast milk is always ready and at the right temperature. Baby can be fed as soon as they start showing signs they are hungry.
- Children who were breastfed are shown to have higher I.Q. Levels.
- Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mom and baby.
- Breastfeeding helps babies fall asleep more easily.
- Breast milk contains endorphins. When combined with nursing’s comfort, this helps babies feel better faster when they get hurt or sad.
- Breastfed babies often fall back to sleep more easily during the night; not waiting for a bottle often means not fully waking up and simply nursing back to sleep.
- Breast milk tastes good!
