101 Reasons to Breastfeed

    This is a condensed version of 101 Reasons to Breastfeed, written by Leslie Burby for those of us with too little time.   For the full version along with explanation and references, visit promom.org.

  1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it
  2. Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby
  3. Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs
  4. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
  5. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of breast cancer
  6. Formula feeding increases baby girls' risk of developing breast cancer in later life
  7. Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
  8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
    Need we say more?
  9. Breast milk helps pass meconium
  10. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system.
  11. Breast milk is more digestible than formula
  12. Baby's suckling helps shrink mother's uterus after childbirth
  13. Baby's suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
  14. Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born
  15. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
  16. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it
  17. Breastfeeding protects against Crohn's disease (intestinal disorder)
  18. Formula feeding increases risk of baby developing type I (juvenile, insulin-dependent) diabetes
  19. Breastfeeding baby helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers
  20. Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis
  21. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer
  22. Not breastfeeding increases mother's risk of developing endometrial cancer
  23. Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies
  24. Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma
  25. Formula feeding increases baby's risk of otitis media (ear infections)
  26. Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (S.I.D.S.)
  27. Breastfeeding protects baby against diarrheal infections
  28. Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis
  29. Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections
  30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
  31. Breastfeeding decreases chances of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
  32. Breastfeeding decreases child's chances of contracting Hodgkins disease
  33. Breastfeeding protects baby against vision defects
  34. Breastfeeding decreases chances of osteoporosis
  35. Breast milk is aids in proper intestinal development
  36. Cows milk is an intestinal irritant
  37. Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
  38. Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding
  39. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis
  40. Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria
  41. Breastfed babies require shorter pre and post-surgical fasting
  42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
  43. Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
  44. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis
  45. Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive
  46. Breastfeeding is easier than using formula
  47. Breast milk is free
  48. Formula is expensive (approx $120/mo)
  49. Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of dollars
  50. Breast milk is always the right temperature
  51. Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein
  52. Breast milk acts like a natural tranquilizer for baby
  53. Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for mom
  54. Breast milk tastes better than formula
  55. Breastfed babies are healthier over-all
  56. Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday
  57. Breastfed babies require fewer doctor visits
  58. Breastfeeding mothers spend less time and money on doctor visits
  59. Fewer waste packaging products
  60. No bottles to tote:  Have milk will travel.
  61. Less cow induced global greenhouse gasses
  62. No need to refrigerate
  63. Cows milk is designed for baby cows
  64. Human milk is designed for baby humans
  65. Natural pain relief for baby
  66. Perfect food for sick baby
  67. More sleep for mom
  68. More sleep for baby
  69. More sleep for dad
  70. Less equipment to maintain and store
  71. Less equipment to buy
  72. Breast milk has never been recalled
  73. Fresh breast milk is never contaminated with bacteria
  74. No need to worry about which brand is better
  75. No need to worry about adding contaminated water
  76. Breastfeeding helps reduce cruelty to farm animals
  77. Facilitates proper dental and jaw development
  78. Breastfed babies get fewer cavities
  79. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
  80. Better speech development
  81. Less chance of baby getting eczema
  82. Breastfed babies have great skin
  83. Less gastrointestinal reflux (Spit-up)
  84. Easier to clean spit-up stains
  85. Breast milk contains no genetically engineered materials
  86. Breast Milk contains no synthetic growth hormones
  87. Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life
  88. Less chance of inguinal hernia
  89. Better cognitive development
  90. Better social development
  91. Decreased risk of baby developing urinary tract infections
  92. Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination
  93. Protects mothers against anemia (iron deficiency)
  94. Less money spent on menstrual supplies for mom
  95. Self confidence booster for mom
  96. Breast milk may help combat eye infections
  97. Breast milk may be a good natural antibiotic for wounds
  98. No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula
  99. Much nicer diaper changes
  100. Breastfed babies smell fantastic.
  101. It's what breasts were designed for!

 

 

 

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