Ten Benefits to Breastfeeding
Patty West, APRN, Nurse Practitioner
Written by Patti West, APRN, Nurse Practitioner, Health Partnership Clinic
If you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if breastfeeding is for you.
Breastfeeding is a natural and low-cost way of feeding babies and children.
It’s affordable for everyone and doesn’t burden household budgets compared to formula.
World Breastfeeding Day is celebrated during the first week of August every year to bring awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and moms, as well as a wider push for maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction and food security.
The decision to breastfeed or not remains a personal choice that each person must make.
Education is key. Start now and learn about the many benefits of breastfeeding.
What are the benefits for babies and children?
1.) Boost in IQ for your child.
2.) 50 percent less likely for the baby to have Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
3.) Leaner baby and mother: baby is healthier, the mother loses 20 calories per ounce of milk she gives to the baby.
4.) Breastfeeding milk opposed to using formula is more customized to your baby’s needs. It is more digestible and has more antibodies than formula.
5.) Less diarrhea.
6.) Less respiratory infections.
7.) Less ear infections.
8.) Less skin infections.
9.) Lower risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, asthma, some cancers).
10.) It’s affordable!
What are the benefits for mothers?
- Calms mother by releasing a hormone called Oxytocin
- Helps moms sleep
- Reduces stress
- Great bonding for mother and child
Is there an economic benefit to breastfeeding?
Breast milk is free which is especially helpful with tight budgets. Plus it’s convenient and typically available on demand.
It was estimated that the United States would save $13 billion if moms breastfed for at least six months.
Starting on July 25, 2018, it became legal in all 50 states to breastfeed in public!
We care for newborns! Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. We have clinics located in Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Paola and Ottawa. For more information, call 913-648-2266.
