NURSING
MOTHERS, INC.
Is Breastfeeding for You and Your
Baby?
Factsheet 14
Breastfeeding meets your baby's nutritional, physical and emotional needs. It is also an excellent way for you to recover from pregnancy and delivery.
Breastmilk is the best food for your baby because it:
· is pure and fresh, always available and always the right temperature
· is easily and completely digestible
· always contains the nutrients your baby needs in exactly the right proportions
· provides immunities to protect your baby from disease and infection
· changes in composition to meet your growing baby's needs
Breastfeeding helps your child develop the proper muscles he will need later for chewing and speech. Breastfed babies are smarter babies. They tend to develop better eyesight. They tend to be less fussy. Breastfed babies are generally healthier:
· fewer illnesses
· fewer ear infections
· fewer skin disorders
· less vomiting
· fewer intestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation)
· less likely to develop allergies or complications from allergies
Breastfeeding is economical. Breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby's life will save you $500 to $600 in formula costs. The better health of your baby means fewer medical bills.
Breastfeeding is practical. Breastmilk is always available whenever your baby is hungry. You don't need to fuss with sterilizing bottles (unless you offer breastmilk in a bottle), purchasing and preparing formula, or remembering to pack food when you travel. Traveling with your breastfeeding baby is easy - just pack the diapers and go.
You also benefit from breastfeeding, not only in terms of saving time, but also emotionally and physically:
· breastfeeding releases hormones that help your uterus contract and prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging
· breastfeeding helps your body shed extra fat stores laid in during pregnancy - it can be the best way to regain your pre-pregnancy shape and size
· breastfeeding encourages the production of hormones that help you relax and rest
· breastfeeding offers a unique way for you to bond with and get to know your baby
· nursing sessions give you an opportunity to relax
· once you get the hang of it, breastfeeding leaves you with a free hand to stroke your baby, hug another child, jot a quick note to a friend, eat a healthy snack, drink a glass of juice, or chat on the telephone
Perhaps one of the most satisfying benefits of breastfeeding is the knowledge that you are providing your child with something no one else can give. Only you can breastfeed your baby; you are unique and irreplaceable.
As you make your decision whether to breastfeed, think about some of the images women associate with nursing:
· The baby nestles close against his mother's body. He is soothed by the sound of her heartbeat, the gentleness of her touch, the warmth of her skin. The mother fills the baby with her milk and her love.
· The closeness of the breastfeeding child is an extension and affirmation of the love that brought her into existence.
Related Factsheets
#25 The Father's Role in
the Breastfeeding Family
Original: Pam Nolan
Revised: 2/95, Lisa Davis; 1/03 Megan Allen
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