Breastfeeding Benefits
Benefits for Your Baby
- Defense Against Illness - Breast milk provides protection against many viral and bacterial illnesses, such as colds and ear infections.
- Enhanced Health - Breast milk is gentle on your baby’s system, easy to digest, and decreases the incidence of constipation, stomach upset, and diarrhea.
- Well-Being - Breastfeeding provides a feeling of closeness and well-being for both you and your baby.
- Fewer Allergies - Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.
- Protection - Breastfeeding provides possible long-term protection against diabetes, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Enhanced Development - Breast milk contains unique substances that enhance brain growth and eye development.
Benefits for You
- Enhanced Health - Women who breastfeed develop stronger, denser bones.
- Protection - Breastfeeding lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.
- Weight Loss - Breastfeeding burns 200-500 calories a day.
- Convenience - Especially in the middle of the night and when traveling.
- Economical - Formula and extra visits to the doctor cost hundreds of dollars.
- Well-Being - Hormones released during breastfeeding promote feeling of relaxation and well-being.
