Breastfeeding Facts Health Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed

 Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies

 Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis. Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach     upsets. Also reduced risk of childhood diabetes

 Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),

 Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease

 Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are     breastfed.

 Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits

 Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities) Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech,  straighter teeth     and enhances vision.

 Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12     points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18.  (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development...there     are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development))

 Reduced risk of heart disease later in life. Increased bone density.

 Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual  development of babies. Breastfed babies enjoy a special     warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers.    

 Antibody response to vaccines are higher. Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of life.

 The colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from     crossing into baby's blood.

 Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemia. Decreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal     hernia, pyloric stenosis.

Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed

 Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers

 Reduced risk of anemia. Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life

 Helps the mother's body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster - promotes weight loss...1/2 of calories needed to manufacture     milk is pulled from fat stores... can burn from 500 - 1,500 calories per day.

 Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies

 Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child

 Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter     medicine purchases, and hospitalizations.

 Helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding.