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.

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1. Breastfeeding immediately following delivery causes the uterus to contract lessening the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

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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.