Reasons to Breastfeed

Infant formula can never duplicate human milk. Human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobins and compounds with unique structures that cannot be replicated in infant formula.

Benefits to baby

Mother's milk adjusts to baby's needs

• it changes from feeding to feeding depending on the needs of the baby
• it forms antibodies to fight diseases currently in the environment
• breastmilk is more digestible than formula
• preterm milk is especially designed for premature infants

Breastfeeding prevents illness even in later life

• breastfed babies have fewer illnesses:
  

  ear infections, SIDS, allergies, asthma, diarrhea, bacterial meningitis, respiratory infections, leukemia, flu from hIB type b bacteria, necrotizing enterocolitis, eczema, UTI, Hodgkin's disease, night blindness

• breastmilk seals up baby's still-immature intestines from allegies and infections
• breastfed babies have less risk of developing in later life: 
  

  Chrohn's disease, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis, inflammation of the intestines and colon, multiple sclerosis, obesity, high cholesterol

• while formula increases baby boys'  risk of developing hernia in their scrotum and increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer

Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs

• breastfeeding  increases bonding between mother and child
• calms the baby
• suckling at the breast provides natural pain relief

Unlike formula feeding, there are no risks associated with breastfeeding

• formula causes tiny losses of iron that can contribute to iron-deficiency anemia
• formula can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals
• some formulas contain genetically engineered materials and synthetic growth hormones

Breastfed babies develop better

• have higher IQ
• leads to better teeth, jaw development and speech
• better physical and social development at 12 months
• better hand-eye coordination

Better recovery after childbirth

• breastfeeding helps shrink mom's uterus faster
• helps prevent excessive bleeding
• helps mothers lose weight

Lessens risks of developing health problems

• decreases risks of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer
• helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic moms
• may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis
• protects against anemia since it postpones menstruation

More convenient

• takes less time to set-up than formula
• causes less environmental waste
• free

Relaxes mom

• decreases blood pressure and relaxes mom
• even pumping during work helps the mom to calm down

Source: 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child April 2005 by Leslie Burby, ProMom