Friday, February, 10, 2012

Breastfeeding

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Nursing; Lactation


Recommendations

BENEFITS FOR YOUR BABY

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life.

  • It contains the right amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat.
  • It provides the digestive proteins (enzymes), minerals, vitamins, and hormones infants need.

Breast milk also contains antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections such as meningitis.

Infants who breastfeed are also less likely to have:

  • Allergies
  • Ear infections
  • Gas, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Skin diseases (infantile eczema)
  • Stomach or intestinal infections
  • Wheezing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis

Breastfed babies may have less risk for developing:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity or weight problems
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Tooth decay

BENEFITS FOR MOM

Moms who breastfeed their babies also enjoy some benefits and rewards:

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Review Date: 07/18/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)