What Are The Benefits Of Breastfeeding?
October 5, 2009 by Guest Author
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies
I am posting a blog and would like to know what breastfeeding mothers think are the benefits. Not just medica, but everything. Thanks for your help!
it is THE perfect food for the baby, no bottles, you never run out, you don’t really have to wake up at night to feed the baby, easy to digest, gr8 immune boosters for the baby, the connection to the child…… just love everything about it-nothing could be better.
i think it tends to help with the bonding of the mother and the baby. i also know that there is some immune system benefits to having breastmilk, as well as some studies showing benefits to the child later in life as well. i have not yet had a baby, but i am hoping that when i do, i will be able to breastfeed.
i think this whole idea about a breast milk bank for babies whose mothers cant breastfeed them is a great idea.
No bottles to wash, sterilize or heat. The ‘formula’ is always ready and at the correct temp. The baby naturaly inherits the mothers immunities and the babys bowels are regulated by the first feeding.
Breastfeeding my son was the best choice I ever made. I was so sad when I had to stop. I would love to make it to 24 months with this next one.
Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies
The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant’s individual growth and changing nutritional needs
Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)
Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis
Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets
Reduced risk of childhood diabetes
Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),
Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease
Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.
Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn’s disease and ulcerative entercolits
Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)
Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.
Breastfed infants develop higher IQ’s, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12 points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18. (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development…there are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development))
Reduced risk of heart disease later in life
Increased bone density
Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babies
Breastfed babies enjoy a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers
Antibody response to vaccines are higher
Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of life
The colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from crossing into baby’s blood
Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemia
Decreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, pyloric stenosis
There are factors in human milk that destroy E coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, pneumococcus….and many others
Less risk of childhood obesity
Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed
Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers
Reduced risk of anemia
Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation
Helps the mother’s body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster – promotes weight loss…1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores… can burn from 500 – 1,500 calories per day.
Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies
Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child
Breastmilk is free- reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)
Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicine purchases, and hospitalizations
Moms miss less time off from work due to child related illnesses
Helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding
Other Benefits….
Breastfeeding makes you feel good, the hormones produced during nursing have an endorphin effect giving you a relaxed feeling.
You have a great excuse to sit down and relax…..
You can nurse while sleeping…nursing moms get more rest than formula feeding moms.
Breastfeeding saves moms about 7 hours a week off their feet.
No screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up.
It’s the only time you can ever lose weight without dieting or exercise!
Breastfeeding is more convenient, when traveling, all you need is to take diapers, the milk is always available, sterile, and the right temperature.
During times of disaster, you don’t have to worry about finding formula.
Breastfed babies smell great….spit ups don’t stain, or smell, and poopie diapers are not offensive…(until solids are introduced)
Breastfed babies know their moms and will never confuse them with a sitter.
The strong bond developed with nursing is much more intense.
There is no feeling to describe the child suckling at your breast and letting go to give you a big smile; and knowing that the growth of your baby came from what your body produced! Wow! What a feeling!
The satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life!
Breastmilk taste great! Sweet tasting! Variations in taste according to foods moms eats. Have you ever tasted formula? Ugh!
Breastfeeding requires the use of only one arm….you can do other things while breastfeeding, (except cooking and driving)
Many, many more benefits, too numerous to list!!!
bonding, immune system benefits