Breastfeeding or not is a personal choice that each mother makes. Sometimes it is a clear and easy decision. Sometimes it is not. Learning what the benefits of breastfeeding are can help in deciding.
For baby:
- Stronger immunities/less illness
- Lower rates of type 2 diabetes or obesity, even in adulthood
- Lots of in-arms/snuggle time with mommy
- Lower SIDS risk
- Milk that is custom made for each baby, the perfect blend of vitamins, proteins and fat
- More easily digested than formula
- Lower risk of developing asthma or allergies
- Linked to higher IQ scores
For mothers:
- Very portable
- Lowers later risk of breast and ovarian cancers
- Burns calories, may help with weight loss
- Assist in bonding
- Helps uterus return to pre-pregnancy size and can lower levels of postpartum bleeding
- Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. so in theory you always have the right amount
- 24 hr a day breastfeeding can hold off your period from returning for quite a while (it is not a reliable form of birth control though)
For dads:
- Breastfeeding is basically free…mom still needs to be fed
- Breast milk poops do not smell nearly as bad
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