Baby Parenting Guide

Health benefits of breast feeding for the baby?

What are some health benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?

Public Response to Health benefits of breast feeding for the baby?

1. It's what babies digestive systems are meant to have It's what their bodies NEED It has live antibodies and immunities (formula doesn't) It's natural of course, never need to worry about where it came from, what factory it was made in, or if it will be re-called! Reduces risks of ear infections, certain cancers (for baby AND mom), infections, diseases, allergies, etc etc.
2. See this web page and you'll have all the answers
3. Oh good grief, there are WAY too many to list here. Check out this link: http://www.promom.org/101/index.html
4. Health benefits for you? It's a serious calorie burner. It reduces your risk of developing breast cancer. It creates the release of the "mothering hormone" prolactin, which helps keep post-partum blues at bay. It gives you a calm, comfortable feeling of well-being. Health benefits for baby? Your antibodies protect them from illness, your milk is custom-made for them and the composition changes as they grow, giving them exactly what they need when they need it. A breastfed baby will not have the increased risks of developing colic, allergies, digestive problems, diabetes, respiratory problems, or obesity that formula-fed babies have. It's a very personal decision. It's not always an easy road, but the benefits are certainly well worth it.
5. My list is based on statistics of a large population and won't necessarily apply to an individual baby or mother. For baby: -Much less illness in general (breastmilk has immuno factors that are not present in any formula) -Breastmilk is much easier to digest and thus causes much less digestive distress and illness. -Lower chance of obesity, diabetes, and cancer later in life -Lower chance of an allergies in baby (cow's milk and soy protein are the base of most formulae and they are both common allergens). -Better facial muscle and bone development due to the action of sucking at the breast. -Higher IQ (may be due to more eye-contact present during breastfeeding--this affects brain development) -Potentially less crying due to waiting for food; crying causes stress hormone levels (cortisol) to skyrocket and this is bad for baby's health. -No chance of contamination due to improperly prepared formula (unclean water, etc.) or dirty bottles. For mom: -Lower chance of breast cancer. -Easier to lose baby weight. -Breastfeeding releases a relaxing hormone in mom that keeps her calm. -More sleep if baby is next to you at night (no need to get up to fix a bottle). For more information about the benefits and mechanics of breastfeeding, attend a local free La Leche League meeting in your area: http://www.lllusa.org/groups.php Good luck!
6. Crunchymama gave you a great link, and answer. There is just too many to name. Don't forget there are benefits for you too! http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=227 http://www.llli.org/FAQ/advantages.html http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby_8910.bc
7. For the baby: antibodies which lower the risk of sickness less bacteria in their guts easier to digest less allergy problems plus so many ingredients, not even known that are beneficial and can never be put in formula It was made for your baby and has the exact nutrition he/she needs and changes with your baby's needs. intelligence For mom: Increased breast or ovarian cancer risk weight loss (supposedly) For both: bond