Human milk provides children with the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies. Has varying composition and changes as baby grows to fit his needs and is species specific.

Breastfed infants are less likely to have

Respiratory illness, allergies, obesity,gastrointestinal problems,diarrhea, ear infections, childhood cancers, lymphomas, diabetes, SIDS,learning disabilities, meningitis,vitamin deficiency, crohns disease, celiac’s disease, ulcerative colitis, NEC and heart disease. also increases bone density and lessens risk of heart disease and cancers later in life . Decreased mortality rates.

Breastfeeding also promotes better jaw & speech development, along with straighter teeth ( wisdom teeth dont have to be removed ).

Breastfed babies have IQ’s that average 15 points higher than bottle-fed. as well as higher nervous system development. most b-fed babies walk and talk an average of 2 months earlier.Breastfeeding plays an important role in development of babies. B-feed moms are more nurturing/practice attached parenting.

BENEFITS TO MOM

Mothers who breastfeed decrease their chances of: Breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, anemia, osteoporosis, hip fractures later in life .

Breastfeeding helps return mothers body to pre-preg weight faster by burning up to an extra 1400 calories per day and helps uterus to return to normal size faster as well and decreasing chances to hemorrhage after childbirth and delays return of fertility= natural spacing of children (>6 months).

Develops special bond= lowers likeliness of child abuse and postpartum “blues”,depression mom gets to sit/ lay down and rest for small periods during the day necessary for new mom.(eat, drink, etc.diet= nothing mom cant eat.. everything in moderation OK. Unless she notices something really affects Baby then leave out for 1-2 weeks and re-introduce gas is normal!!!

Breastmilk is free , always right temp and amount! perfect for mom on the go!!

Breastfed babies are sick less and have 10x less hospitalizations than ABM infants reducing health care cost. Kaiser permanent did a study proving this bfeeding saves them an average of $1400 a year per child.

Also, less time off work to care for sick child, and decreased mortality rates of rheumatoid arthritis. RA

*THESE DO DEPEND ON LENGTH OF TIME/ AND FREQUENCY OF NURSING THE LONGER YOU BREASTFEED THE MORE BENEFITS TO MOTHER AND BABY! (world wide average is 4 some til 9 yrs) Exclusive breastfeeding means NO OTHER Supplements including formula, water, glucose water, vitamins, for at least first 6 months

BENEFITS TO SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Reduces cost of healthcare & promotes healthier moms and babies.

Breastfeeding reduces global pollution and reduces use of resources and energy required to produce,process, package,distribute,promote,dispose of materials created by artificial baby milk.

Reduces tax burden on community and government to ensure children are properly fed (ie: WIC, foodstamps)

Reduces absenteeism in the workplace due to illness ( mother or baby)