Benefits of Breastfeeding and Other Reasons to Breastfeed
You've probably heard that "breast is best," but did you know that breastfeeding provides loads of health-related benefits for both mama and baby? (Not to mention that it gives you Pam Anderson-sized boobs for months on end!)
Here are just a few of the gazillions of reasons breastfeeding rocks:
report abuseHere are just a few of the gazillions of reasons breastfeeding rocks:
- Moms who breastfeed have a reduced risk of getting postpartum depression, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. Nice! Plus breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of developing uterine cancer and osteoporosis later in life.
- Babies generally digest breast milk easier than formula. And a happy belly means a happy baby—and of course a happy baby means a happy mommy!
- Disease-fighting antibodies in breast milk can help protect infants from asthma, eczema, childhood leukemia and other diseases.
- Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Since you burn more calories breastfeeding, it can help you to lose the baby weight faster. Breastfeeding can burn up to 600 calories a day! That's like hitting the Stairmaster for 2 hours straight!
- Breastfeeding helps suppress ovulation. If you exclusively breastfeed, you may not get a visit from Aunt Flo for more than six months after giving birth. Whoo hoo! But don't be fooled into thinking it's a safe contraceptive! You may end up with a "surprise" before you're ready.
- After you work out the kinks (and we're not gonna lie, it can be challenging to get started) breastfeeding is a quick, easy way to feed baby. Just pop in the boob and voila—lunch! No bottles to clean, no formula to mix!
- Breastfed babies get sick less often. Which means lower doctor bills and fewer sleepless nights—for both of you!
- Breastfeeding can save you some serious cash (because there's no formula to buy!). Formula and feeding supplies can cost well over $1,500 each year. That's a whole lotta pairs of skinny jeans (and yes, you will fit into skinny jeans again some day!)
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