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Breastfeeding benefits baby and mother
New mothers should strongly consider breast-feeding their newborns because of the many benefits breast milk provides.
Breast milk has the right mix of ingredients that babies need, and it is easily digested by babies so they will never become constipated and will only seldom get diarrhea. There is no need to worry about running out of food because breast milk is always available and at the right temperature.
Breast-feeding is best for both mother and baby, said Terry Egan, Nutrition and Health Education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Breast-feeding can also help prevent many issues for babies including allergies, diabetes, and speech problems. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect babies from colds, flu, ear infections, and illnesses like asthma, eczema and hay fever.
Breast-feeding can also help promote better vision, stronger and straighter teeth, trust and self-confidence.
Some other benefits of breastfeeding include:
- By one year breast-fed babies are less heavy than formula-fed babies and overweight babies tend to become overweight adults.
- Traveling is easier because there is no need to pack bottles and formula.
- Babies’ diapers don’t smell bad and most breast-fed babies don’t spit up as often.
- Breast-feeding is cheaper than using formula and bottles.
- Since breast-fed babies don’t get sick as often, there are fewer missed days of work and less doctor bills to pay.
- Breast-feeding will help mothers lose the weight that was gained during pregnancy and helps prevent breast cancer.
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Last Updated 07/06/2009
