August is National Breastfeeding Month. Breast feeding is the best thing a woman can do for her baby and for herself. Breast milk is free, easier for your baby to digest than formula, and has disease fighting antibodies which keeps your baby healthy and protects them from diseases such as ear infections, stomach problems, skin problems, respiratory problems, even diabetes and obesity when they are older. Breastfed babies have lower incidence of SIDs (sudden infant death syndrome). And did you know breast fed babies have higher IQ’s.
Babies should start breast feeding within the 1st hour of life. A baby should be given only breast milk for the 1st six months of their lives.
Breast feeding is not just good for baby; it is excellent for new moms as well. Breast feeding stimulates hormones which make moms relax, feel more nurturing towards their new baby, and decreases the incidence of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding requires extra calories which helps new moms lose their pregnancy weight. Women who breast feed have lower incidence of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.
So it is a win win situation for both mom and baby.
