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Mothers of New Babies and Toddlers

Breastfeeding

Benefits

Here are the breastfeeding benefits to your baby:

  • Breastfeeding is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage your baby's development;
  • Research shows that breastfed infants have fewer illnesses and milder effects when illness does occur;
  • Breastfeeding offers the baby emotional security with the skin-to-skin contact;
  • The activity of sucking at the breast while breastfeeding enhances the baby's development of oral muscles and facial bones;
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to develop respiratory infections, childhood diabetes and childhood lymphoma;
  • Babies who are breastfed for less than six months have seven times the incidence of allergies as those who are breastfed longer than six months;
  • Babies who are breastfed are 10 times less likely to be admitted to the hospital during the first year.

The advantages of breast milk:

  • Neither the nutrients found in breast milk nor the special benefits these nutrients provide can be duplicated by any supplement.
  • Breast milk has the right level and quantity of nutrients to suit the baby's needs.
  • Colostrum is the perfect starter food for babies. It is found in breasts during pregnancy and begins to change into mature milk a few days after baby's birth. Colostrum provides baby with an unmatched immunity against bacteria and viruses.
  • Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors to fight off illnesses and also to avoid or delay allergic responses.
  • Breast milk is a unique combination of fats, sugars, minerals, proteins, vitamins and enzymes--all customized to promote brain and body growth for an infant.
  • Breast milk is easier on baby's digestive system, therefore, fewer chances of constipation and/or diarrhea.
  • Breast milk is always fresh, perfectly clean, just the right temperature, instantly available and the most nutritious feeding system for the lowest cost.

Breastfeeding benefits to the mother:

  • The ongoing production of milk in the mother burns calories, helping in weight loss after pregnancy
  • Women who breastfeed reduce their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis

* NB
Some women think that breastfeeding will delay the onset of their menses and thus be a "natural" contraceptive. This is NOT so! Breastfeeding is not an effective form of birth control. If you fail to begin menstruating 6 months after giving birth you should talk to your doctor.