One of the first decisions parents have to make after birth is 'what food my baby should be given; breast milk vs formula?' When making these decisions there are some important facts to take into consideration:
Benefits of breastmilk to my child:
- It provides natural antibodies that help your baby resist illnesses, such as ear infections and chronic diseases.
- Reduces the risk of constipation because it is easier to be digested than formula.
- It may raise your child's intelligence. Studies show breastfed babies have higher levels of cognitive function.
- Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia and helps for a quicker recovery during illness.
- It contains no artificial materials.
- Promotes better tooth and jaw development.
- It provided protection against food allergies
- It promotes optimal mother-infant bonding.
Benefits to the mother:
- It can facilitate maternal weight loss.
- It prevents postpartum bleeding by stimulating uterine contractions.
- It promotes uterine evolution.
- It affordable.
- It is readily available. No preparation needed.
- Can be used as a form of contraceptive.
- It lowers the risk of developing breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer.
- It creates bonding.
Benefits to father
- The father will have a healthier partner and healthier baby which prevent stress and anxiety.
- It reduces expenses of the father. As breast milk is free, it eliminates the cost of one supply for the baby.
Benefits to siblings
Children learn by what they see and listen to and as parents you have the task of educating your children on the norms, morals and traditions of society. By breastfeeding you are teaching your children one of the important norms of society that has been passing down to us by our parents.
Environmental benefits
- Producing artificial baby milk contributes to inefficient use of land, deforestation, and soil erosion.
- Prevents the creation of toxins as a result of manufacturing of formula, which causes air pollution.
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