Benefits of Breastfeeding

So you have heard that breastfeeding is good for your baby, but what is really behind all the hype? We want to give you some of the most important facts about the benefits of breastfeeding so that you have the commitment necessary.

Formula seems like a perfectly reasonable choice of food for your baby, but it is missing dozens of ingredients contained in breast milk. Babies on formula have higher rates of ear infections, pneumonia, SIDS and gastro/intestinal problems, as well as obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies and many others. Formula is significantly more expensive than breast milk, adding more than $1500 to your yearly household grocery budget. The cost of formula should also include your healthcare costs, as well as time off work staying home with your sick baby, not to mention emotional anguish of seeing your baby not well.

Both formula and breast milk are made of water, protein, carbohydrates, DHA/ARA, fat, vitamins and minerals, but formula is missing these and other ingredients:

• Antibodies
• Hormones
• Anti-viruses
• Anti-allergies
• Anti-parasites
• Growth factors
• Enzymes

The essential fatty acids in breast milk are proven to improve cognitive function and vision. It positively impacts the growth of the central nervous system and give infants higher visual acuity. Although formula companies always try to improve and add ingredients that will more closely match breast milk, they are far from perfecting the formula of formula!

The hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells, and essential fatty acids are just some of the reasons why human milk is the vastly superior infant food. It is a truly unique substance that cannot be copied artificially.

Human breast milk is uniquely catered to each specific baby, and it contains live sells that protect the baby through the moms immune system. It is better observed and is the cleanest food you can give for your baby. It is different than the milk of other mammals in fat to protein to carbohydrates ratio, which is made unique for our species that have largest brains but develop slowest. Additionally your breast milk will adjust to your baby for the entire duration of nursing, as well as during the day. The benefits to your baby extend beyond the period of breastfeeding, so in effect you are investing into your babys long-term health.

The added benefit that you get from breastfeeding is the feeling of overall happiness you and your baby get from being together and breastfeeding. This is due to the one gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinine (CCK) which is secreted in both the mother and the baby.