Many women often refer to breastmilk as “liquid gold,” since breastfeeding offers so many health benefits for baby. However, mothers are still not aware of the health benefits breastfeeding affords them. According to a new Lansinoh breastfeeding survey 100 percent of new moms surveyed (first-time and experienced breastfeeders) cite health benefits for baby as the number one reason for choosing to breastfeed, but less than half, 44 percent, made the decision to breastfeed based on the health benefits it offers themselves.
Benefits for Baby:
* Breast milk is easily digested and provides the essential nutrients, vitamins, proteins, fats and antibodies, in just the right proportions, that the baby needs to develop physically and neurologically.
* More and more research is showing that breastfeeding leads to optimal brain development.
* Breast milk contains immunological agents that cannot be replicated by science.
* Research shows breastfeeding also helps protect the baby against allergies, reduce the rate of serious illness and make him or her less likely to get sick.
* Breastfeeding contributes to optimal oral development and decrease risk of tooth decay.
* Skin-to-skin contact with mom creates strong bond between mother and child with increased sense of security and comfort.
Benefits for Mom:
* Breastfeeding decreases a mother’s chances of developing breast cancer. This benefit is strongly connected with the length of your breastfeeding experience.
* Some studies have also shown a decrease in ovarian and uterine cancers in women who breastfeed.
* Another known benefit of breastfeeding for mothers is a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers say breastfeeding may change a mother's metabolism in ways that make the possible connection plausible.
* In the long-term, breastfeeding may actually result in stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis. In fact, studies show that after weaning their children, breastfeeding mothers' bone density returns to pre-pregnancy levels or even a higher level.
* Studies show that breastfeeding mothers show less postpartum anxiety and depression than do formula-feeding mothers because breastfeeding triggers and releases oxytocin (sometimes called the “love hormone”) that can help you relax and feel less stressed.
* As a nursing mother, you will burn extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds put on during pregnancy. Breastfeeding also helps your uterus to go back to its normal size and will lessen the bleeding you may have after giving birth. Milk production burns 200 to 500 calories a day. To burn off an equivalent number of calories, a formula-feeding mother would need to swim 30 laps or ride a bicycle for more than an hour.
* Breastfeeding saves time. You do not have to purchase, measure, and mix formula, and there are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night.
* Breastfeeding is free! Even if a baby is drinking expressed breastmilk and you need to purchase an electric breast pump, the new Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump and feeding accessories are far less expensive than what you would spend on formula over the long term. In fact, research shows the average non-nursing mother will spend close to $2,000 a year on formula and feeding accessories, while a quality electric breast pump, such as the one now offered from Lansinoh, costs under $200.
source: http://www.lansinoh.com/index.php?submenu=healthbenefits&src=gendocs&link=Benefits%20of%20Breastfeeding&category=Main
CELEBRATING "World Breastfeeding Awareness Month"
http://gypsiestreehouse.blogspot.com/2008/08/world-breastfeeding-week-2008.html
more tips, ideas or stories on breastfeeding tomorrow.......
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