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The
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Why breastfeeding
may be the best option for mom and baby.
Breast milk is
nature's perfect baby food. It contains immunity-boosting antibodies
and healthy enzymes that scientists have yet to replicate. Studies
have proven that breast milk:
Protects against allergies and eczema. If there's a history of either
in your family, it may be especially beneficial for you to breastfeed.
Proteins in cow's milk and soy milk formulas can stimulate an allergic
reaction, while the proteins in human breast milk are more easily
digested.
Causes less stomach
upset, diarrhea, and constipation than formula. This too is because
breast milk is so easy for baby's body to break down.
Reduces the risk
of urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis,
ear infections, and respiratory infections. For instance, formula-fed
infants are three times more likely to suffer from ear infections
than breastfed babies, and up to five times more likely to suffer
from pneumonia and lower respiratory-tract infections.
Lessens the risk
of SIDS. Although the connection is unclear, breastfed infants account
for only half as many SIDS cases as formula-fed infants do.
Protects against
diseases such as spinal meningitis, type 1 diabetes, and Hodgkin's
lymphoma. You pass your baby immune factors and white blood cells
through breast milk.
May make your
baby smarter. Research is still inconclusive, but studies are pointing
toward breastfed babies having higher IQ scores later in life, even
when taking socioeconomic factors into consideration. The fatty acids
in breast milk are thought to be the brain boosters.
Could help prevent
obesity. Some studies show that breastfed infants are less likely
to be obese later in life. The theory is that nursing mothers get
in tune with signals that their baby is full, and don't overfeed.
Brings baby close
too you. Bottlefed babies form bonds with their parents too, of course,
but the skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding is reassuring to a newborn.
Benefits for
Mom
Nursing doesn't only benefit your baby--it can boost your health as
well. Breastfeeding:
Lowers your risk
of breast and ovarian cancer. Studies show that women who breastfeed
have less risk of these cancers later in life.
Helps you lose
pregnancy weight. Because milk production burns about 300 to 500 calories
a day, nursing mothers tend to have an easier time losing pregnancy
weight in a healthy way--that is, slowly and without dieting.
Triggers your
uterus to shrink back to prepregnancy size. In fact, in the first
few weeks, you might feel mild contractions while you're nursing.
May lower your
risk of osteoporosis. Research is still being done, but for now, it
appears as if bone mineral density increases if you've been breastfeeding.
Can give you
some natural birth-control protection. Granted, it's not as reliable
as the pill or most other forms of birth control, but breastfeeding
can keep you from ovulating if your baby is feeding day and night
and is less than 6 months old.
Gives you closeness
with your baby. Most moms who breastfeed cite this as the biggest
benefit. Nursing is something special the two of you share. You and
baby exchange looks, noises, and cuddles during a nursing session,
and communicate love to each other.
Saves you money.
Breastfeeding is essentially free. Even if you choose to buy an electric
pump, a nursing pillow, and several nursing bras, you'll still only
spend about half the cost of a year's supply of formula.
Part-Time Benefits
The American Academy of Pediatrics asks new mothers to try to breastfeed
their baby for a year, for optimal health benefits. But you should
know that whatever amount of time you can devote to breastfeeding
is better than none. For instance:
Breastfeeding
for those first days in the hospital gives your baby colostrum. This
antibody-rich liquid is a major health booster to your newborn, who
has an immature immune system. Formula can't replicate colostrum's
unique composition.
Continuing during
baby's first three months gives your baby's digestive system a break.
The proteins in cow's milk formula as well as soy milk formula are
tougher for an infant's body to break down than those in breast milk,
so the longer you can put off the transition to formula, the better.
Breastfeeding
while baby starts solids gives you a smooth transition. Baby won't
go from all-milk meals straight to all baby cereal and mush--the gradual
switch will last from age 4 to 6 months through baby's first birthday.
Continuing with breastfeeding while baby begins solids can cut down
baby's risk of developing allergies, including food allergies. Using
your breast milk to mix baby's cereal gives him the flavors he's used
to, and breastfeeding first thing in the morning and last thing in
the evening gives him a calming (and nutritious) ritual.
For as long as
you can nurse, you and your baby will feel the bonding of breastfeeding.
The skin-to-skin contact and cuddly closeness you both get from breastfeeding
are among its biggest benefits. Dad can get bonding time with a bottle
and so can you if you need to, but nursing for as long as you're comfortable
gives you and baby a unique chance to get to know one another.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
