Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is best for almost all infants. Not only is breastmilk nutritionally superior, breastfeeding also provides many other physical and emotional advantages to the baby. In addition, breastfeeding provides numerous other benefits to the mother, as well as other family members.
The following lists identify some of the many benefits of breastfeeding.

"Species Specific"- Breastmilk is Made Specifically for Human Babies:

• Breastmilk has all the necessary nutrients for proper growth in correct amounts.
• Breastmilk digests easily - no constipation, less colic.
• Nutritional composition of breastmilk changes as the baby's nutritional needs change - even within a single feeding.

Breastmilk Promotes Good Health by:

• Providing antibodies; protecting against infection, including urinary tract, respiratory, intestinal, and ear infections.
• Lowering the rate of hospitalization and sickness.
• Speeding recovery during illness.
• Reducing the risk of allergies.

Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Disease by:

• Reducing the risk of overfeeding, childhood and adult obesity.
• Reducing the risk of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Reducing the risk of intestinal diseases - Crohn's and celiac.
• Reducing the risk of iron-deficiency anemia as iron is well absorbed.

Breastfeeding Promotes Physical Development by Improving:

• Hand-eye coordination.
• Jaw, teeth, and speech development.
• Brain growth.

Breastfeeding Provides Emotional Benefits of:

• Immediate satisfaction.
• Close physical contact, promoting security and bonding.
• Positive mother association. Baby knows mother through all senses.
• Comforting when baby is ill.

Breastfeeding Promotes Good Health by:

• Reducing the risk of post-birth hemorrhaging.
• Improving bone density.
• Aiding in natural weight loss.
• Reducing the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

Convenience

• Night feedings are easier.
• Breastfeeding saves time and money.
• Milk is always available - important in emergencies.
• No mixing or storing is required; decreases the risk of errors in preparation.
• Delays the return of fertility (but should not be relied upon as contraception).
• Comforting baby is easier.
• Traveling is easier.

Emotional Benefits

• Mom feels good and has increased self confidence.
• Mom has increased perception of baby's needs.
• Bonding is enhanced.
• Close physical contact is ensured.
• Hormone prolactin relaxes mother.

• Baby has sweet smell, and bowel movements are not offensive.
• Breastmilk has less odor and less staining.
• Family saves money, due to:
• No need for formula, or baby food for first six months.
• Fewer health care costs, as baby is sick less often.

Breastmilk Requires:

• No energy use for production.
• No packaging materials.
• No production animals, feed, or machinery.
• No transportation.