12 Reasons to Breast feed
And Why the American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends it
1. Breast Milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs.
Breastmilk composition changes from week to week, from day to day, from hour to hour, and during a feeding. It is always the perfect food for your child.
2. Nursing is convenient and economical. It can be a savings of up to $2000 in the first year. Breastmilk is free, always available, always at the right temperature, and never goes bad.
3. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child. When a woman breastfeeds, hormones are produced in her body that help her relax and bond with her baby.
4. Breastfed Babies are healthier
Breastmilk contains immunities that are passed to your child. Breastfed children get sick less often. Breastfed children get fewer ear infections, childhood lymphomas, and diabetes.
5. Breastfeeding raises children's IQs.
6. Breastfed babies have better tooth and mouth development.
7. Breastfeeding reduces your chance of getting breast cancer and your daughter's chance of getting it as an adult.
8. Breastfeeding is great for the environment.
The production and consumption on formula uses a great deal of resources and produces a huge amount of waste.
9. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS.
10. Breastmilk tastes great. Have you tasted formula? It's awful. Try drinking an 8 ounce glass of it before you give it to your baby. Plus, your baby will have less allergies and a healthier digestive tract.
11. That's what breasts are for. Unfortunately, many societies have sexualized the breast to the point where mothers don't feel comfortable breastfeeding. Trust your body. We have breasts for a very important reason to feed our young.
12. Breastfeeding tones the muscles of the uterus and helps a woman’s body recover from childbirth and recondition itself more rapidly.
If for any reason you can’t breastfeed, don’t feel badly. What counts most of all is your intention to nourish your baby emotionally as well as physically. Much of the act of feeding your baby has to do with your loving nourishment. You baby is attuned to your emotions as well as your intentions. Don’t lay a guilt trip on yourself. Do all you can to encourage the bond between you and your baby. Hold your baby close during feedings, make eye contact and talk with your baby. Shower your baby with love.
