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Picture courtesy of the USDA WIC program |
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| One of the most crucial decisions new parents are required to make is breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. Breastfeeding is convenient, economical, and what nature intended. |
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| Breastfeeding Benefits for Babies |
- They are healthier, and when they do get sick, have fewer symptoms and shorter illnesses;
- They score higher on cognitive and IQ tests at school age as well as on tests of visual acuity;
- They have a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS;
- They are less likely to suffer from infectious illnesses and their symptoms, such as diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory tract infections and meningitis;
- They are less likely to contract food and waterborne infections such as salmonellosis;
- They have a lower risk of the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases;
- They suffer less often from some forms of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease and childhood leukemia:
- They have a lower risk of juvenile onset diabetes, if they have a family history of the disease and are breastfed for at least four months;
- They are significantly protected against asthma and eczema, if they are predisposed to allergic disorders and are exclusively breastfed for at least four months;
- They may have a lower risk of obesity in childhood and adolescence; and
- They have fewer cavities and are less likely to require braces.
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| Breastfeeding benefits for mom |
- Women who have breastfed are less likely to develop ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancers. The more months a woman has spent breastfeeding, the greater the beneficial effect.
- Breastfeeding reduces risk of osteoporosis.
- Breastfeeding mothers enjoy a quicker recovery after childbirth, with a reduced risk of postpartum bleeding.
- Mothers who breastfeed are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight than mothers who formula feed.
- Exclusive breastfeeding may reduce the risk of anemia by delaying the return of the menstrual cycle for 20 to 30 weeks.
- Breastfeeding mothers have been reported to be more confident and less anxious than bottle-feeding mothers.
- Breastfeeding contributes to feelings of attachment between a mother and her child.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk and severity of "baby blues" and post-partum depression.
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