Benefits of breast feeding

The list of benefits of breast feeding seems to be endless. Of course, for some women, there are also many benefits to bottle-feeding – the list of benefits of breast feeding offered on this page is no way meant to undermine women (and men) who choose to (or must) bottle-feed formula to their babies.

Nonetheless, it is generally agreed upon that the benefits of breast feeding outweigh those of bottle-feeding. Here are just a few of those benefits:

Breast-fed babies have lower rates of medical problems, including diarrhea, rashes, allergies, and ear infections.

Breast-fed babies have a lower rate of hospital admissions.

Human milk contains good amounts of lactose, fatty acids, and amino acids.

Breast feeding transfers the mother’s antibodies to the baby. A majority of the cells in breast milk are actually cells that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi… hence the fewer hospital admissions and fewer ear infections, etc.

Human milk is custom designed – a mother’s milk has antibodies specific to her own environment… the same environment of the baby.

Babies are not allergic to breast milk (although they can be allergic to something a mother eats… in this case, the mother simply needs to stop eating that item). Babies can be allergic to certain types of formula.

Human milk (straight from the breast) is sterile, already warmed, and ready to drink.

Human milk is free! Of course, there are certain costs associated with breast feeding, including the price of breast pumps (if used), nursing pads, and nursing bras, etc.

Sucking milk from the promotes good jaw development.

Bonding between mother and infant. Of course, holding the infant while bottle-feeding him or her can also lead to bonding. Human contact is important!

Mothers do not have to worry about buying and mixing expensive formula.

Breast pumps make it possible for a mother to go back to work and continue to breast feed her baby.

It is more difficult to get pregnant while nursing (it is, however, still possible!) If a mother has been nursing continually for less than six months and has not menstruated during that time, it is unlikely she will get pregnant. However, to be on the safe side, a couple should still use additional protection.

As you have surely noticed, both babies and mothers experience the benefits of breast feeding. And realize that this is not a complete list of the benefits of breast feeding. Of course, many other possible benefits of breast feeding are more controversial, including the claim that breast-fed babies are more intelligent and more socially adapted.

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