Breastfed babies:
get sick less often
are hospitalized less often
lower rate of mortality
lower risk of diarrheal disease
lower incidence of gastrointestinal illness
lower risk of urinary tract infections
lower incidence of respiratory disease
lower incidence of ear infections
fewer allergies
lower rates of obesity
lower incidence of SIDS
fewer learning and behavior difficulties
lower rate of pneumonia, neonatal sepsis, and giardia
Breastfeeding:
promotes bonding between mother and child
confers passive immunity
protects against communicable diseases
provides optimal growth and neurological development
prevents malocclusion/leads to better teeth/jaw development
protects against necrotising entercolitis
protects against bacteremia and meningitis
reduces the incidence of childhood lymphoma
enhances visual development
is less risky for premature babies and low birth weight babies
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Benefits for the Mother
Breastfeeding:
assists in delivery of placenta
releases hormone relaxin
helps mothers lose pregnancy weight
is convenient and always available
is less expensive than formula
contributes to natural family planning
fosters confidence and promotes self-esteem
reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections
protects against breast, ovarian, cervical cancer
lowers the incidence of chronic hepatitis
reduces the risk of osteoporosis
reduces the requirements of insulin for lactating diabetic mothers
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