For Baby
1. Due to the anti-infective properties of breastmilk, breastfed babies
tend to have less incidence of or less pronounced symptoms of ear
infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
2. Due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely
constipated.
3. The stools of breastfed babies are mild-smelling.
4. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is less common in breastfed
babies.
5. Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the
changing needs of the baby. It has the exact combination of protein,
fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars needed for the human
infant at various stages of his growth.
6. Breastfed babies are constantly exposed to a variety of tastes
through their mother's milk.
7. Breastfed children are at less risk for Crohn's disease and juvenile
diabetes.
8. Children who were breastfed are less likely to need orthodontic
work such as braces due to the unique sucking action required with
breastfeeding. They also seem to have better overall dental health
than formula-fed children. Children who were breastfed need speech
therapy less often than those who were bottle-fed.
9. IQ levels are an average of 8 points higher in children who were
breastfed.
10. Adult daughters who were breastfed are at less risk for breast
cancer.
11. Adults who were breastfed have a lower risk for high cholesterol
and asthma.
FOR
MOTHER
1. Breastfeeding immediately following delivery causes the uterus
to contract lessening the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
2. Calories are burned while breastfeeding. It takes approximately
20 calories to produce an ounce of milk.
3. Women who breastfeed their babies for at least 6 months lessen
their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer. This advantage is
cumulative: the longer you breastfeed the lower the risk.
4. Osteoporosis and cervical cancer are less common in women who
breastfed.
5. The return of fertility is delayed with breastfeeding.
6. Breastfeeding is more economical than formula feeding. The cost
of formula feeding for 12 months is approximately €1000. (
Interim Report of the National Committee on Breastfeeding, 2003,
Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children.)
7. Breastmilk is always available, clean, and the right temperature.
8. Many mothers feel a special satisfaction in knowing that they
alone are meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.
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