From the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
More and more women are choosing to breastfeed their babies—and for good reason. Breast milk provides the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat that your baby needs to grow. It also protects your baby against certain diseases. Although some women may not be able to breastfeed for a variety of reasons, for most women, breastfeeding (or “nursing”) is the best way to feed their babies.
This pamphlet explains:
- benefits of breastfeeding
- how to breastfeed
- dealing with challenges
- a healthy lifestyle and birth control while breastfeeding
Benefits of Breastfeeding
It is recommended that babies breastfeed exclusively at least for the first 6 months of life. This means that you should not give your baby any other liquids or foods before he or she is 6 months old (unless your baby’s health care provider recommends otherwise). The longer your baby is fed breast milk, the better for you and your baby. Your baby can continue to breastfeed beyond his or her first birthday as long as you and your baby want to.
Benefits for Your Baby
Breastfeeding is best for your baby for the following reasons:
- The colostrum that your breasts make during the first few days after childbirth helps your newborn’s digestive system grow and function.
- Breast milk has antibodies that help your baby’s immune system fight off viruses and bacteria. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of respiratory infections, asthma, obesity, allergies, and colic than babies who are not breastfed. They also have fewer ear infections and less diarrhea.
- Breast milk is easier to digest than formula. Breastfed babies have less gas, fewer feeding problems, and less constipation than babies who are fed formula.
- Breastfeeding decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially when the mother breastfeeds exclusively for at least 6 months.
- If your baby is born preterm, breast milk can help reduce the risk of many of the short-term and long-term health problems that preterm babies face.
To view the full article, please contact the Four Corners OBGYN office at info@4c0bgyn.