Breastfed babies:
- get sick less often and get illnesses that are less severe
- are hospitalized less often and have a lower rate of mortality
- have a lower incidence of ear infections, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea
- have a lower rate of obesity in childhood and later on in life
- have higher IQ scores and fewer learning and behavior disorders
- are at less risk of SIDS, childhood cancers, juvenile onset diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other chronic digestive diseases
- have better teeth and jaw development
- have better visual and motor development
- experience decreased incidence and severity of allergies
Breastfeeding:
- Increases mother-child bonding, which can lead to better parenting and may even decrease the incidence of child abuse.
- Is protective against breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Creates an economic benefit; breastmilk is free.
- Can contribute to natural family planning and child spacing.
- Facilitates a faster recovery after childbirth due to decreased postpartum bleeding, increased uterine involution, and less postpartum depression.
- Increases confidence is and promotes self-esteem.
- Allows mothers to lose pregnancy weight faster.
- Results in fewer trips to the pediatrician.
- Results in less waste of natural resources and water and decreases garbage and pollution. Breastfeeding is Earth friendly!
- Decreases tax dollars spent to subsidize dairy farming, free formula, Medicaid, and other health care programs.
- Is protective against measles and other communicable diseases.
- Makes children healthier, which makes for a better future.
