Custom Search

 

Breast Feeding Facts

Here are some great benefits for mommy and baby regarding the goodness of breast feeding!

"Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for infants' health, growth, immunity and development."

– Healthy People 2010, Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

"Breastfeeding in the United States is at a 20-year high, with more than three out of four mothers now breastfeeding their infants at least occasionally," according to a report issued last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"In short, mother's milk provides the best combination of vitamins, proteins, other nutrients and antibodies for the baby's health and cognitive and physical development." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of life, followed by at least another six months of partial breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends two years of breastfeeding.

"There are many important health benefits associated with breast-feeding for both the mother and the baby. Babies who are breast-fed have a lower incidence or severity of several childhood illnesses including diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, ear infections and bacterial meningitis. Other possible protective effects have been reported against sudden death infant syndrome, allergic diseases, and chronic digestive diseases."

"Women who breast-feed their infants have less post partum bleeding and may have an earlier return to pre-pregnant weight. There is also some evidence that they have an improved bone remineralization after they stop breast-feeding, which may lead to a reduction in hip fractures during the postmeopausal years."

– The above information was provided by Cornell University. Prepared by Julie A. Napieralski, PhD. Research Associate and Carol Devine, PhD, RD, Educational Project Leader, BCERF