Breastfeeding

Try to make a decision prior to arriving at the hospital to have your baby.  Go to prenatal classes that teach or discuss breastfeeding.  Talk to a lactation consultant.  Get information.

A number of health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization, all recommend breastfeeding as the best choice for babies.

For women who breastfeeding is not an option or women who choose to formula feed there are also safe alternative like formula feeding or feeding pumped breastmilk through the bottle.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastmilk provides ideal nourishment, and it’s perfectly designed for babies.  It has the right nutrients at the right temperature. It lowers the chances of the baby getting infections, including ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrhea, amount others.  May protect against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death.  It is cost-effective and saves money.

Promotes bonding with mother and it’s convenient, no need to sterilize or prepare bottles.   It is environmentally friendly. It causes less waste.

Some studies suggest that children who were exclusively breastfed have slightly higher IQs than children who were formula fed.

Breastfeeding burns calories and helps shrink the uterus. So nursing moms may be able to achieve their pre-pregnancy weight and shape a little bit quicker. And it can also lower the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as ovarian cancer.