20 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby
1. A healthier baby
“The incidences of pneumonia, colds and viruses are reduced among breastfed babies,” says infant-nutrition expert Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and OB-GYN at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y., and the author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession (Elsevier-Mosby). Gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea—which can be devastating, especially in developing countries—are also less common.
2. Long-term protection, too
Breastfeed your baby and you reduce his risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type I diabetes, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.
3. Stronger bones
According to Lawrence, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. “When a woman is pregnant and lactating, her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently,” she explains. “So while some bones, particularly those in the spine and hips, may be a bit less dense at weaning, six months later, they are more dense than before pregnancy.”
4. Lower SIDS risk
Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome by about half.
5. Fewer problems with weight
It’s more likely that neither of you will become obese if you breastfeed him.
6. A calorie incinerator
You may have heard that nursing burns up to 500 calories a day. And that’s almost right. “Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce,” Lawrence explains. “If you feed your baby 20 ounces a day, that’s 400 calories you’ve swept out of your body.”
http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/breastfeeding/20-breastfeeding-benefits-mom-baby
This family - mom, and 4 daughters, all breastfed their babies. In Maryland, New Mexico, and California.
All used sense and found quiet areas, (and blankets) in public.
Nowadays in many malls, there are areas in the ladie’s room for nursing.
Did someone already mention breast feeding passing along immunities?
Add this to the child’s benefits: I understand the head’s bone structure is more attractive than if bottle fed.
In addition, no need to warm up a cold bottle of milk - - -