Why breastfeed? Why? Why? Why?

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do to give your child the very best start in life. Breast milk provides the optimum nutrition for your baby. Human milk is custom-made for babies, with all the right nutrients and in the right amounts. Despite their efforts, formula companies simply CANNOT duplicate the amazing benefits of breast milk. It is recommended to practice breastfeeding for AT LEAST two years.

benefits for Babies...breastmilk

• less likely to have tummy upsets, gas, diarrhea, and constipation
• stronger immune systems
• higher IQ
• fewer allergies and less risk of asthma
• fewer incidences of diabetes and cancer
• less risk of childhood obesity
• less risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• better dental and facial development, and decreased likelihood of dental caries
• protects against infection because living substances in breastmilk prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses in baby’s digestive system.
• enhances attachment between mother and baby by providing lots of direct skin contact between mother and baby.
  

benefits for Mother's...breastfeeding

• promotes bonding
• promotes uterine contractions after childbirth and reduces bleeding
• causes less postpartum bleeding and less chance of anemia.
• uses up extra calories, allowing most mothers to lose weight gradually without dieting.
• protects a mother from health problems such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer,urinary tract infections, and osteoporosis
• economical—breastfeeders save $$$$ in the first year
• convenient—always available, and always the right temperature
• saves time—no formula to prepare, and no bottles to wash
• clean and safe—and available when normal supplies of food and water are interrupted
• produces naturally-soothing hormones which increase calmness, self-esteem, and confidence.
  

For babies and mothers...

• Skin-to-skin contact with a well baby is a wonderful way to recover from birth for a mother and baby, a way to start intimately connecting to a baby and a great boost to breastfeeding beginnings.
• Oxytocin has been described as the ‘love hormone’ and it is secreted when falling in love with another adult, or a baby, and it makes mothers feel relaxed, contented and less anxious.
• Mothers who breastfeed experience surges of oxytocin every time they breastfeed their babies. Skin-to-skin contact helps this hormone start and keep working.
• Oxytocin also makes the cells that are wrapped around the milk making glands in breasts contract, which starts breastmilk flowing. A baby sucking at the breast triggers milk let downs during breastfeeds and at the same time a mother's uterus contracts to help it get back into shape faster.
  

benefits for the EARTH...

In this era of increased awareness "Go Green" about our impact on the planet, breastfeeding is a good green solution—there is no excess packaging, no factory processing, and no transportation necessary.