Why Should I Breastfeed?

There are a lot of reasons to breastfeed your baby.

Breastfeeding can help you build a special bond with your child. You save time, energy and money by breastfeeding. There are no bottles to wash and no formula to prepare. Breastfeeding is free. Formula is expensive. By choosing to breastfeed, you will save your family over $1,000 in the first 6 months of your baby’s life.

Breastfeeding also:

• burns calories, helping your body return to its pre-pregnancy weight more quickly
• helps your baby’s brain development and may improve IQ (intelligence quotient)
• reduces ear infections, allergies, diarrhea and constipation, and illnesses like colds and flu
• reduces your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers
• promotes good jaw development—an advantage for proper tooth alignment

Breastmilk is the best food for your baby during the first year. It is the only food your baby will need during the first 6 months. Breastmilk is always fresh and at the right temperature. As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to meet her needs.

• The first milk is called colostrum. It is very nutritious and contains the specific immunities a newborn needs. Colostrum is also a natural laxative that helps your baby pass his first stool. Within about two weeks, colostrum is completely replaced by mature milk.
• The composition of your breastmilk changes during each feeding. The milk your baby receives first is called the foremilk. The milk your baby receives later is called the hindmilk. Babies need both foremilk and hindmilk to grow. Always make sure your baby drains the first breast before switching to the other. That way, your baby will receive enough of both the foremilk and hindmilk to be healthy.
• Your milk supply will change to meet the demands of your baby. In the beginning, your body does not know how much milk your baby needs. You need to breastfeed often to build your milk supply during the first few weeks. Draining the breasts well during feedings also helps keep your milk supply high.

Sources: “The Breastfeeding Answer Book”, La Leche League; “Baby’s Best Start”, WithinReach.