What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

PROTECTS & NOURISHES BABIES FROM DAY ONE. Colostrum, a mother’s first breast milk, is made during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk (known as “liquid gold,”) is rich in nutrients and antibodies: the material for a strong immune system. Soon thereafter, the mother’s milk begins to change–by the third to fifth day after birth, it increases in volume and changes in composition of essential nutrients (including fat, sugar, water, protein, vitamins and minerals), antibodies, and hundreds of other substances that enhance brain development, healthy infant growth, and development of the baby’s immune system. Breast milk continues to change throughout the course of breastfeeding. It even changes throughout the day and throughout an individual feeding to give babies exactly what they need when they need it most. 

FIGHTS DISEASES AND INFECTIONS. Breastfeeding reduces a baby’s risk of ear, skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections and sudden infant death syndrome. In the longer term, breastfed babies have reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia. Breastfeeding also helps baby form healthy facial muscles and structure, which can help prevent the need for speech therapy or orthodontia when they get older. 

Studies have found that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of getting breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

SAVES MONEY. Formula and feeding supplies alone can cost a family well over $2,000 each year, depending on type of formula purchased. Better infant health also means fewer trips to the doctor, less time off from work to care for sick children, and more time having fun and playing.

PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT. There is less waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies. Although breastfeeding requires mothers to consume a small amount of additional calories, it generally requires no containers, no paper, no fuel to prepare, and no transportation to deliver. 

SUPPORTS STRONG FAMILY BONDS. Physical contact is essential to newborns. It can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Both mothers and fathers can benefit from this closeness. Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet, relaxed time to bond. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact can boost a parent’s oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps milk flow and lowers stress levels to calm both the mother and baby.