Benefits of Breastfeeding

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. If possible, it is best for mom to breastfeed exclusively. If this is not possible any breastfeeding is beneficial. Breastfeeding provides many physical and emotional benefits for baby. Mother also enjoys physical, financial, and emotional benefits. These things can help make breastfeeding enjoyable.

• Benefits for a Breastfeeding Mother
• Benefits for a Breastfed Baby

Benefits for a Breastfeeding Mother

Physical Benefits

1. Producing breast milk burns about 200-500 calories a day. This may help a nursing mother lose weight.
2. Breastfeeding releases the hormones oxytocin and prolactin. After giving birth, oxytocin causes the uterine muscles to contract. This helps bring the uterus back to its normal size faster. These contractions also help stop uterine bleeding. Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production.
3. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Breastfeeding for can reduce the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. Breastfeeding can help control blood sugar levels in women with Type I diabetes.
4. Frequent breastfeeding can prevent or slow down the return of menstruation. This can help the mother keep more iron in her body. It also decreases the chance of becoming pregnant soon after delivery if:
   • Mother is breastfeeding baby exclusively through the day and night.
   • Baby is less than 6 months of age.
   • Mother has not had her first menstrual period (referred to as lactational amenorrhea).
     
     
     
     

Financial Benefits

1. Breastfeeding can save a lot of money! You will not have to pay for items such as formula and bottles!
2. A breastfed baby sees a doctor less, which costs less! Breastfeeding helps baby have a stronger immune system and fewer illnesses.
3. Breastfeeding can save time! It takes less time to breastfeed than to give formula. You will not spend time mixing formula, heating bottles, shopping for supplies, or cleaning and sanitizing bottles.
   
   
   
   

Emotional Benefits

1. The skin-to-skin contact from breastfeeding helps mother and baby bond.
2. The hormones which are released during breastfeeding, have a calming effect.
   
   
   
   

Benefits for a Breastfed Baby

1. Breast milk gives antibodies to baby. Antibodies attack germs and help keep baby healthy.
2. Breastfed babies are less likely to become obese. They are less likely to be overfed than a bottle-fed baby.
3. Breastfed babies have higher IQs! On average breast-fed babies have IQs that are 8 points higher than babies that are not. This is especially important for premature babies or babies born with mental disabilities.
4. Breast milk is designed to fit the needs of your baby. It gives baby the complete nutrition needed and adjusts to the age of your child. In fact baby does not need anything besides breast milk until around 6 months of age.
5. Breast milk changes within a single feeding and over time to meet baby’s needs. It is even different for a premature baby than a full-term baby. This helps a premature baby stay healthier!
6. A breastfed baby will have less constipation. Breast milk has a lower protein content so it easier for your baby to digest.
7. Breastfed babies have diapers that are less smelly, at least until your baby starts to eat solids! The new foods can change baby’s stools.
8. Breastfeeding can increase hand-eye coordination. It can also improve the development of the mouth.
9. Breastfeeding provides a regular opportunity for skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant. This helps develop a bond between mother and child.