Becoming a Mom is full of joy and of course lots of decisions. Breastfeeding your child is one of the biggest decisions you will make for your little bundle of joy. While we understand it’s a personal decision and what works for one Mom may not work for another, we thought that in honor of World Breastfeeding Week, we would share with you a list put together by St. Vincent’s Health System. They have compiled their top 10 reasons moms should consider (and/or continue) breastfeeding:
1. Breast milk is uniquely created for babies. It adapts to a baby’s individual needs.
2. Exclusive breastfeeding for 3-4 months reduces the incidence of childhood allergies.
3. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of both childhood and adult obesity.
4. Breastfeeding costs much less than choosing to formula feed.
5. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
6. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
7. Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of infections such as respiratory infections and ear infections.
8. Exclusively breastfed infants are less apt to develop Type 1 Diabetes.
9. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed have an earlier return to their pre-pregnancy weight.
10. Infants who are exclusively breastfed for 3-4 months tend to have higher intelligence scores.
What tips do you have to share for new Moms thinking about or struggling with nursing their child?
