Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both baby and mother. The gold standard is exclusively breastfeeding for six months and continuing while providing complementary foods for up to two years. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect infants from disease. It also helps develop the baby's immune system faster than formula. Mothers who breastfeed have lower cancer risks and it aids weight loss after pregnancy by burning extra calories. Breastfeeding is beneficial for society as well by saving healthcare costs and being environmentally friendly.
1. Breastfeeding: Best for Both Mother and Baby HBHE 710 Colleen Jensen Sarah Middlemas Emily VonderPorten Slide Background image source: http://flickr.com/photos/goetter/1353787707/
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Editor's Notes
This is the ideal for infant feeding, though it may not be appropriate or possible for all women, which is important to keep in mind and perhaps consult with a lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding also has been shown to protect against staph, strep and e coli infections, diabetes, many childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and salmonella. Also, the lifetime protection includes from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and some lymphomas.
Recent research has indicated that breastfeeding may also help lower the risk of osteoporosis after menopause. Although breastfeeding delays the return of the menstrual cycle, it should not be counted on as birth control. Always discuss birth control options with your doctor. In addition to increased self-confidence, breastfeeding may also lead to feelings of bonding and closeness with their baby.
Breastfeeding mothers missing less work leads to a more productive workforce. It also leads to lower employer medical costs Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.
There are no formula cans, bottles, or other packaging to be thrown out as waste. $1200 is 4 times the estimated extra cost of food per year for a breastfeeding mom which is $300.