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Progressive Women's Healthcare

Breastfeeding Information

Breastfeeding Information

Breastfeeding Information

Breastfeeding Benefits

It is recommended that babies receive no foods or liquids except breast milk for the first six months of life and then get complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding when your baby is 6-12 months of age.

Health benefits for infants:

  • Stronger immune system
  • Reduced risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Reduced risk for gastrointestinal and severe lower respiratory tract infections
  • Lower risk for developing asthma
  • Protection against allergies and intolerances
  • Promotion of correct development of jaw and teeth
  • Association with a higher intelligence quotient and school performance
  • Reduced risk for later development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Lower risk of developing childhood leukemia (cancer of the blood)

Health benefits for the Mother:

  • Strong bonding with infant
  • Easier to return to pre-pregnancy weight due to the extra 300-500 calories burned in the body’s production of milk
  • Faster shrinking of the uterus, helping reduce blood loss after birth
  • Delays the return of menstrual periods after birth
  • Decreased risk for developing type 2 diabetes
  • Lower risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer later in life
  • Decreased risk for post-partum depression
  • Enhanced self-esteem in the maternal role
  • Time and money saved from not having to buy and mix formula

Source: La Leche League International