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The Benefits of Breastfeeding
By metropolitanmama | January 2, 2008
You probably hear the “breast is best” mantra everywhere you turn. The reason why the message is so pervasive is that breast milk can’t be beat in terms of benefits for baby (and mom). Formula companies try to come up with a powdery composition that mimics breastmilk, but they simply can’t create the same unique properties that our bodies engineer automatically post-labor and delivery.
Of course, we all are well-aware that breastmilk provides the optimal nutrients for baby’s physical growth and protects baby from illness. But did you know…
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding. In fact, they say that, “Pediatricians and other health care professionals should recommend human milk for all infants in whom breastfeeding is not specifically contraindicated.” They go on to say that, “Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”
- The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding. Their position is that, “exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.”
- Breastfeeding has also been “associated with lower rates of juvenile diabetes, adult onset diabetes, celiac disease, childhood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, dental caries, severe liver disease, and acute appendicitis.” (quote taken from The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Revised Seventh Edition)
- Some studies also indicate that breastfed babies have higher IQ’s, have less chance of being asthmatic, are less likely to die of SIDS, and are less likely to become obese.
- Finally, breastfeeding may help moms to lose weight faster and prevent subsequent pregnancies from happening too quickly.
Besides all of those textbook-y benefits, I’ll add five other ones from my personal experience…
1. Breastfeeding saved us money. La Leche League reports that the least expensive formula costs $134 a month and the most expensive formula costs $491 a month. Multiply that by 12…at the least, you’ll spend $1,608 on formula. If you go with the pricier brands, you could end up spending over $6,000! If I compare that to the amount I spent (um…$0), there really is no comparison.
2. Breastfeeding forced me to slow down, relax, and enjoy my baby.
3. Breastfeeding helped me “bond” with my baby.
4. Breastfeeding was more convenient (no bottles, no stirring, no heating).
5. Breastfeeding kept me period-free for almost two years! (Pregnancy, plus 12 months after baby’s birth…)
With all of those benefits (for both you and baby), you might as well give it a shot. If you have questions or need some support/encouragement, you can join a La Leche group near you.
WIN IT! One winner will receive The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Seventh Revised Edition, published by the La Leche League International. To enter, simply leave a comment and your e-mail address prior to Friday, January 4, at midnight. Winner will be contacted and announced on Saturday, January 5. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
* UPDATED * The winner is #30 dinahk2. Congratulations!
Topics: breastfeeding, contests |
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I just wanted to add a benefit - it burns calories! If you’re lucky this will help you get rid of the baby fat faster than without the breastfeeding.
Cheers!
/Paula
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
i’d like to read this- please enter me!
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
What a great book to have! Enter me, please!
cbdulrich[at]yahoo[dot]com
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 am
haven’t read this one yet but it comes highly recommended. thanks for the review!
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
I am a HUGE breastfeeding nut..
I blogged you :
http://www.prizeatron.com
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 am
There are also numerous health benefits for mom:
Decreased risk of “female” cancers including breast, uterine, and ovarian, decreased risk of osteoporosis
It is amazing how perfect our bodies are created to sustain another human being…
I hope many many women read your series on breastfeeding…There is still a knowledge gap even today! I was at Whole Foods washing my “pump equipment” and a worker asked me what I was doing…I told her and she asked me…why breastfeed? What are the advantages/benefits? : ) I’m smiling because I LOVE that she asked me…and I had probably more information for her than she really wanted! Thanks for your post!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I’d love to win this, as I plan to breastfeed when my son arrives in March. I just hope it works out ok, as I’ve heard some stories about babies not latching on, etc. But I’m determined not to give up!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
ooooh! Please randomly select me!
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Glad it’s not entitled “The Manly Art of Breastfeeding”… :o) gumbi1313@msn.com
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
This looks like an interesting read!
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I love La Leche League! I would love to have a copy…to this day they are the only reason I was able to breastfeed my first daughter!! Thanks!
stbaisch@yahoo.com
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
my best friend is expecting and this would be a great gift!
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Just wanted to encourage anyone considering breastfeeding to do it! I nursed my son for 14 months and my daughter for 26 months! Neither child ever took a bottle. I’m glad I could do that for them!
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I would love this book
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I would love to read this book. I’ve been breastfeeding for 6 months and am actually really quite impressed with myself…never though I would make it this ling…
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I called La Leche League many times with trouble with my first baby breast feeding. It was a grueling process to start, but beyond rewarding in the end! She eventually breast fed for 13 months & it was one of the most triumphant experiences of my life. As I get ready to have my second baby (a boy this time) on 01/27/08, I hope that I have as wonderful an experience with his as I did with Annabelle.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I am planning on BF this baby due in March so this book would be great!
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Enter me please…I am a proud bf’ing mama!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I’ve heard so much about this book and would love to finally read it!
What a great resource!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
this month will be my 1 year mark, i want to continue butmost of my family thinks i should wean. this book would be lovely inspiration
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I love breastfeeding my daughter! I would love this book for my sister-in-law who is hoping to conceive soon.
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I’ve been nursing for 13 months now with no end in sight. I’d love this book! I can share it with friends and family and use it for my own reference.
sarahmarie.pemberton@gmail.com
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’ve heard great things about this book. I’d love to check it out for myself. Thanks for the giveaway.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
This is THE best breastfeeding book out there. I love to give it at baby showers. Count me in…I have tons of pregnant mom friends that I would love to send it to!
January 4th, 2008 at 2:01 am
I still haven’t read this book! I’d like to add one caveat to the weight loss through breastfeeding issue–it doesn’t always happen. I have been battling to lose the last 15 pounds of my pregnancy weight, and I’ve fought hard to do so. Breastfeeding doesn’t always cause weight loss. While it is the best choice for nourishing your child, don’t count on it to be a quick weight loss tool. Do it for the other reasons as there are zillions of them. It’s the best choice I’ve ever made!
January 4th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Great book! I’d love to win a copy to share.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Stopped breastfeeding my son early in the game due to lack of support. Now ready to try it again with number 2!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Ooh, this sounds interesting. I’m still breastfeeding at 9 months and counting. My family is become slightly concerned and I get lots of “when are you stopping?” !!! So far so good - I’ll stop when we’re both ready!!!
January 4th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I have 4 baby showers to attend in the next 2 months. This would be a fantastic gift to give at one of them!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I would love a copy of the Womenly Art!
momsclubssm@yahoo.ca
(yes I do have a US address!)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Oooh! This is great and I’d love to see more women feel able to breastfeed and not feel attacked with “aren’t you finished with that YET?” talk. This book is great ammo for that and I’m gonna need it for baby #2 coming in May/June.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Ah,the Bible of Breastfeeding. Wish I had this when I first started breastfeeding, but would still LOVE a copy.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
It’s a wonderful book. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
mccammacks at sbcglobal dot net
January 4th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I would love to read this book. People swear by it!
January 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
i love nursing my son!
January 5th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Breastfeeding is a great “super power”~LOL! I love that I can give my baby her nurishment from me! It really is an amazing miracle! :)~
Thanks for a chance to win!
January 13th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Thanks for posting this info! I have been breastfeeding my daughter for 13 months now..it is natural and just seems “right ” for us..but now that she is past one year old, I am starting to get questions from family/friends..I can just TELL others are wondering why I continue to breastfeed!? Oh well, I KNOW that it is the best thing for me and my daughter!