Breastfeeding benefits : Baby

IMMUNITY! Can I shout it from the rooftop?The first product of your mammary glands is called colostrum. This milk product does wonderful things for the baby. It cleanses the baby’s digestive tract of any wastes and it provides antibodies to help fight infection and illness. Did you know that when your baby is exposed to an illness, your body kicks into gear and gives your baby protective cells via your breastmilk. (this only happens when baby suckles, is not applicable for exclusive pumpers)

Your baby will be exposed to many different foods, depending on your diet. This allows vitamins from all different food groups.This way the vitamins are more readily absorbed. Also the vitamins are not lost through the heating process often used with bottle preparation.

Studies show babies who breastfeed have less food/seasonal allergies, have a higher IQ, have less ear/tummy infections and DIE less often. Yes, infant mortality is higher among formula fed babies.

Learn more about the above mentioned studies here.

Want to learn more about breastfeeding in an easy to watch DVD? Here is a great one by a board certified lactation consultant.

Go from Breastfeeding Benefits to Why Breastfeed page

Go from Benefits Baby to askthelactationconsultant.com