Benefits Of Breastfeeding

• Saves money. Breast milk is free so no need to buy formula feeds. It is of superior quality compared to formulas.
• Delays the return of menstruation.
• Helps the womb return to its normal size.
• Reduces your risk of breast cancer.
• Strengthens the baby and makes it less vulnerable to diarrhea, allergies, asthma, malnutrition, Crohn’s disease, malocclusion (crooked teeth) and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
• Makes the baby feel secure.
• Can be really hard work at first, but it will become easier with practice and perseverance.
• Might be hindered if nipples are inverted or flat which makes it difficult for the baby to suck.
• Breastfeeding is not restricted to certain number of feeding times a day. Just feed the baby whenever the baby is hungry.
• Produces a hormone called oxytocin which gives you a loving affection towards the baby.
• Reduces the baby’s chance of developing chronic ear infections.
• Infants breastfed for at least 7 months are approximately 20% less likely to be overweight adolescents compared to those breastfed for no more than three months.
  [Note : Weight control in children is also dependent on dietary habits and physical activity.]
  Source : M. Gillman et al “Risk of Overweight Among Adolescents Who Were Breastfed as Infants” Journal of the American Medical Association (2001) 285:2461-2467; M. Hediger et al “Association Between Infant Breastfeeding and Overweight in Young Children” Journal of the American Medical Association (2001) 285:2453-2460

  Subscribe to my RSS feed for regular updates.