The Many Good Reasons Why You Should Breastfeed Your Baby

They say breast milk is still the best for babies. But breastfeeding also is good for mommies. Find out the many good reason why you should breastfeed your baby:

• Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for your baby. It has the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein that is needed in your baby’s growth and development. Most babies find breast milk easier to digest than formula. Breastfed babies are leaner during the time when a lifetime supply of fat cells are laid down, which helps explain why breastfed babies may tend to be leaner throughout their lifetimes.  

• Your child will have higher IQ. Studies have shown that there is a demonstrated direct relation between a child’s intelligence and cognitive ability. Some studies revealed that there is an increase in intelligence for each additional month the child was breastfed. Other recent studies have found that breastfed infants tested more than five IQ points higher than formula fed infants.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics says you should. The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly supported breastfeeding, along with numerous organizations including the World Health Organization.

• Your child will have more protection from diseases. Breast milk has antibodies that help combat diseases and protect against viruses, allergies and related problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, eczema, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections. They are sick less often and have fewer visits to health care providers. 

• You will save $1,000/year in feeding costs alone. Formula feeding, which includes the formula, bottles, nipples, liners and other supplies, costs a lot, lot. When you add it all up, breastfeeding can help pay your child’s college or a month in Hawaii. Aside form that, it was reported that the US government provides formula for its Women, Infants and Children supplemental food program - to the tune of $600 million a year. Our tax dollars at work!

• Breastfeeding protects against leukemia. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of some forms of childhood leukemia for up to 30%, researchers have discovered.

• You will be more relaxed. Breastfeeding has a calming and relaxing effect. During breastfeeding, your baby’s sucking stimulates your brain to manufacture chemicals that calm you and give you a feeling of well-being and promote maternal behavior.

• You will lose weight faster. Over 600 calories a day are burned by breastfeeding women who don’t supplement with formula. It makes it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding is nature-friendly. Breast milk comes in no special packaging, no refrigeration, etc. It is all-natural and wastes no paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastics in packaging it.

• Breastfeeding promotes a beautiful bond with you and your baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, and warm and comforted.