Why breastfeed? Perhaps a better question is why not? Today, we hear so much about how breastfeeding is the best food for babies, but no one ever really elaborates on why it's best. Here are only 46 reasons - I'm sure there are more!
Best for Baby
1. Breastfeeding is the most natural source of nourishment and security for your baby.
2. The baby get about half of its newborn immunities from colostrum...this is a baby's main defense against infection.
3. Colostrum has a laxative effect helping your baby pass meconium, in turn increases hunger and stimulating mother's milk supply. This also decreases the chances of the baby becoming jaundiced.
4. It is the most easily digested form of infant food. No constipation and fewer tummy upsets.
5. Breast milk provides antibodies to the illnesses that the mother has been exposed to.
6. It helps protect the baby from infections.
7. Prolongs the period of natural immunities to mumps, measles, polio and others infectious diseases.
8. Decreases predisposition to future diseases.
9. During illness, it helps keep the baby well hydrated and speeds recovery. *Mothers Milk is considered a Clear fluid*
10. Reduces the risk of allergies.
11. Reduces the risk of obesity later in life.
12. When a baby nurses from both breasts, baby's hand eye coordination is automatically enhanced by being switched from side to side.
13. Breastfeeding promotes proper jaw, dental, and speech development.
14. Reduces frustration by satisfying the baby immediately.
15. It brings mom and baby close, building strong attachments. 16. It provides close physical contact.
17. Baby makes a connection between Mom and Milk. The connection enhances love.
18. Suckling at the breast is soothing for a baby who is upset or ill.
19. The baby know Mom through all its senses.
20. A baby grows and all its needs are met, such as closeness and security. This affects the Mother/Child bond in a positive way.
21. It lessens the chances of getting Crohn’s Disease, Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, and Celiac Disease.
22. The baby will be 5 to 8 time less likely to get childhood lymphoma if breastfed for 6 months or longer!
23. The longer the child is nursed, the higher their IQ is likely to be.
24. A breastfed baby takes in 100 million live cells per day. Many of these live 48 hours or longer!
25. Better brain and eye development! They are nursed on both sides and don't favor one eye.
26. Less waste, both solid (whether you care about the environment, or you just want to take out the trash less often), and energy (don't have to heat formula and baby food, and wash the dishes you dirty to make and serve them) And Guess What...Its beneficial for the Mother too...
26. Continues the natural reproductive cycle of conception, pregnancy, and childbirth.
27. Reduces the risk of hemorrhaging after the birth.
28. Aids in natural WEIGHT LOSS.
29. Night feedings are easier.
30. The hormone Prolactin relaxes mom, making mothering easier.
31. Reduces the chance of pre-menopausal Breast Cancer.
32. Saves time and $$$. (40 hours a year and over $1000)
33. Trips away from home are easier, no worry about food.
34. Delays the return of fertility.
35. Feels good, adding to the enjoyment of becoming a Mother.
36. Comforting a sick or unhappy baby through breastfeeding is easier.
37. A breastfed baby is physically different. Softer skin, sweeter smelling, BM's don't stink, Breast Milk doesn't smell or stain. This increases the mothers good feelings toward the baby.
38. Being able to meet the need of the baby increases the mothers self confidence.
39. Brings the mother and baby closer.
40. Greater closeness increases a mothers perception of her baby's needs, enhancing the feeling of ‘‘oneness’‘ between them.
41. Breastfeeding throughout out a lifetime for more than 25 months will reduce your chances of getting Breast cancer by 1/3!!!
42. Breastfeeding increases the self-esteem of the mother. It is empowering! What the Fathers see as the Advantages of Breastfeeding:
42. SHE has to feed the baby in the middle of the night.
43. SHE can't leave the baby with me unless SHE wants to pump.
44. I don't have to worry about running to the store to get formula in the middle of the night when its 30 below zero.
45. I don't have to worry about warming the bottles at all hours of the day and night.
46. I get to SLEEP.
Why breastfeed? Perhaps a better question is why not?
Author:Maurenne Griese may be contacted at http://www.maurennegriese.com or
. Maurenne Griese is a nurse educator and consultant as well as a web site designer. She has been writing about pregnancy and computer programming for over 15 years. She specializes in issues surrounding pregnancy, parenting, health care,e-health and infidelity issues.
