Making the decision to breastfeed is a personal matter. It's also one that's likely to draw strong opinions from friends and f...
Making the decision to breastfeed is
a personal matter. It's also one that's likely to draw strong opinions from
friends and family.
Many medical authorities, including the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, strongly recommend breastfeeding. But you and your baby
are unique, and the decision is up to you. This overview of breastfeeding can
help you decide.
What
Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Baby?
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for
infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat --
everything your baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily
digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains
antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding
lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus,
babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any
formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts
of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the
doctor.
Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ
scores in later childhood in some studies. What's more, the physical
closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby
bond with you and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the
right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight
children. The AAP says breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of
SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It's been thought to lower the risk
of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well, but more research
is needed.
Are
There Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother?
Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it
can help you lose pregnancy weightfaster. It releases the hormone
oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may
reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of
breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis,
too.
Since you don't have to buy and measure
formula, sterilize nipples, or warm bottles, it saves you time and money. It
also gives you regular time to relax quietly with your newborn as you
bond.
