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. I've listed 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?
Maurenne Griese may be contacted at http://www.maurennegriese.com
griese@networksplus.net.
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.
