- Breast milk contains a lot of immunoglobulins which provide protection against viruses and bacteria, which means a baby with
stronger immune system. Studies show that breastfed babies grow up with less chronic conditions caused by problems with immune system, such as asthma and eczema.
- Breast feeding
saves you a lot of money. A 2 month old requires about 24 oz of milk a day. If you buy Similac, the cost for one week will be about $45!!! Double that for your 6 month old!!!
- Breast feeding is
very convenient - it saves you a lot of time. Warm, sterile food is right there when you need it: no running to the store, warming up, measuring, mixing, washing bottles, and carrying all your supplies around.
- It’s great for the delicate
immature digestive system of your infant, causing
less food allergies, intolerances and diseases of gastrointestinal tract in infancy and later on due to the fact that it contains healthy intestinal flora similar to the good bacteria adults get from yogurt.
- It helps you
burn up to 500-600 calories a day, lose the postpartum weight and
quickly get back in shape and into those favorite jeans.
- People who have been breastfed have fewer incidences of obesity and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia because they know how to regulate their intake and their needs early on. They are more receptive to different kinds of foods later on because they taste milk which is different all the time depending on what the mother eats. Bottle-fed babies are more prone to prefer bland foods and they become picky eaters, because their formula tastes the same.
- It
creates a unique bond between the two of you, giving you the ultimate sense of accomplishment, the sense that you are giving your baby the gift nobody else can give. Close skin-to-skin (Kangaroo) contact is the key to good emotional and mental development of your baby. It teaches a lesson of trust, confidence and love.
Copyright © 2008 (Dr. Stein, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, PA)
