The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives your new baby the very best start. It supplies food, comfort, and love. Experts agree: Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies during the first year of life and beyond. It’s healthy for Mom, too. Breastfeeding may be challenging at first. But you and your baby can succeed together. 

Healthiest for Baby

Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies. It has all the nutrients your little one needs to grow healthy and strong. Here are some of the many benefits for your baby:

• Breastfeeding provides contact that babies love. Frequent skin-to-skin time with Mom is calming and comforting.

• Breastmilk is full of antibodies. These are substances that help your baby fight infection.

• Breastfeeding reduces your baby’s risk of ear infections, allergies, colds, and some diseases.

• Breastmilk changes as your baby grows, meeting her changing needs.

• Breastmilk is easy for your baby to digest.

Healthiest for Mom

For many women, breastfeeding is an amazing experience. It creates a strong bond between mother and baby. Other benefits for Mom include:

• You can feel proud knowing that your baby is growing healthy and strong because of your milk.

• Breastmilk is convenient. It’s free, clean, and always the right temperature.

• Breastfeeding burns calories. This can help you lose pregnancy weight faster.

• Breastfeeding releases hormones that contract the uterus. This helps the uterus return to its normal size after childbirth.

• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancers.