Breastfeeding. . . .the gift that lasts a lifetime.

Human milk was designed for human babies, that’s the long and short of it.  Mother’s milk contains just the right amount proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – in completely different proportions than formula or cow’s milk.  Here are some reasons why breastfeeding “does a baby good”.

Breast milk is more digestible than formula.  Formula contains twice the protein baby needs and cow’s milk may irritate the lining of baby’s intestines causing tiny loses of iron.  Breast milk is perfect infant nutrition.

Nursing helps get mom’s figure back more quickly burning an average of 500 calories a day.  Breastfeeding also helps decrease insulin requirement in diabetic mothers.

Human milk enhances brain development and improved cognitive development.  In fact, a recent long-term study of 1000 children found breastfed children had consistent and statistically significant increases in:

• intelligence quotient (IQ) at age 8 and 9 years of age;
• reading comprehension, mathematical ability, and scholastic ability assessed during the period from 10-13 years of age;
• teacher ratings of reading and mathematics assessed at 8 and 12 years; and, and higher levels of attainment in "high school learning examinations."

Now, who doesn’t want a smart baby?

Breast milk provides immunities to disease and aids in the development of baby’s immune system as mother’s antibodies are passed on to the baby.  Reduced instances of

• Pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staph infections, influenza, ear infections, German measles, child lymphomas, diarrheal infections, allergies, meningitis, less rashes, less spitup.

As adults, breastfed babies have decreased risk of developing

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity, Multiple Sclerosis & breast cancer.

Breastfeeding is easier to use.  No shopping for bottles or supplies.  No indecisions on what type of formula to buy. No worry about synthetic growth hormones.  No manufacturing recalls. No taking up space in the kitchen cupboard.  No waiting to warm the milk and measuring formula either. 

Breast milk requires no refrigeration.  Even pumped breast milk keeps for a long time outside the refrigerator.  For more information on this, go to:

http://www.medela.com

Ma Ma’s milk is always ready- at the right temperature- AND – it’s free !

Mom and Dad get more sleep.  Breastfed babies tend to fall asleep faster after feeding than formula or cow milk fed babies.  Breast milk has chemicals that act like a natural tranquilizer and endorphins to suppress pain.

Sleep on!

Breastfeeding helps with proper dental and jaw development.  Less tooth decay, too.  For more information on this subject, go to:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/reprints/breastfed.html

Breastfed babies smell wonderful and magical.  Nicer diaper changes, too.  BMs smell mild, not offensive like so many diaper jokes.

Breastfeeding provides the time for mommy baby bonding time.  Breastfeeding is restfull.

Breasts look better than the bottle and there are two to choose from!

(The above is intended for information only and in no way should be considered medical advise.)