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Home > Breastfeeding Info
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By now most people have heard the saying "Breast is
Best" when comparing breastmilk to formula. Public
health agencies and organizations such as La Leche League
have been touting the benefits of breastfeeding for both
mother and baby for years. Though more women are choosing
to breastfeed, less than 20% of mothers are still breastfeeding
their babies at 6 months. The World Health Organization
recommends breastfeeding into the second year of life,
and beyond whenever
possible.
From a statement by the
World Health Organization-Nutrition for Health and Development-World Health
Assembly
No breastmilk substitute, not even the most sophisticated
and nutritionally balanced formula can begin
to offer the numerous unique health advantages
that breastmilk
provides
for babies. Nor can artificial feeding do more
than approximate the act of breastfeeding in physiological
and emotional significance,
for babies and mothers alike. When infants are
not
breastfed or are breastfed only partially, feeding
with formula remains
a deviation from the biological norm for virtually
all infants.
why all mothers should breastfeed
here are just a few of the benefits for baby- You will be giving your child the healthiest
food available
- Your baby gets to be held, snuggled and cuddled by
mom
- Breastfeeding protects your baby from infections
- Breastmilk containts living cells , hormones, active enzymes,
immunoglobulins, and compounds with unique structures, that
can not be replicated in infant formula
- Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections
- Breastfed babies are half as likely to
have respiratory infections
- Breastfed babies are less likely to die
from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
- Breastfed babies are less likely to have
allergies
- Breastfed babies have higher IQ's
here are just a few of the benefits for mama
- Fertility is delayed, so mom won't get pregnant
as soon
- Mother's risk of breast cancer is decreased
- Mother's risk of ovarian cancer is decreased
- Mother's risk of uterine cancer is decreased
- Mother's risk of endometrial cancer is decreased
- Mother's risk of osteoporosis is decreased
- Breastfeeding mothers lose weight faster than bottle feeding
mothers, Making breastmilk burns calories!
- Breastfeeding mothers have better emotional health than bottle
feeding mothers. Less anxiety and postpartum stress
- Breastfeeding is more convenient and saves you money
the Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
- Baby still gets protein, nutrients, calories,
and antibodies from mother's milk
- Toddlers who are breastfed have better health than bottlefed
toddlers
- Toddlers who are breastfed have a lower risk of getting diabetes
mellitus
- Toddlers who are breastfed have lower incidences of childhood
cancers
- Toddlers who are breastfed are protected from leukemia and
lymphoma
- Toddlers who are breastfed are protected from Chron's disease,
Hodgkin's disease, and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Evidence also supports the fact that the longer a mother
breastfeeds the greater her own protection is from all of
the previously mentioned cancers
Please read our informational links below.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions
you will make concerning your child's health and development.
As you can see it will greatly benefit mother and child.
There is NO substitute for breastmilk.
LaLecheLeague.org World
Health Organization
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