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There are a number of benefits that breastfeeding has for your baby. However, did you know that it also benefits you, the mom, as well as society? Breastfeeding is something that occurs naturally after nine months of pregnancy. Here is some information that may enlighten you on how breastfeeding benefits more than just your baby!

How breastfeeding benefits babies:

* When you give birth, the first substance that your breasts produce is called, colostrum. Besides having huge amounts of antibodies, colostrum provides protein and fat in the right amounts. Antibodies is just something that you will never find in formula! Because babies are born with immune systems that do not function at top-notch, they require all the protection they can get from these antibodies. Another important factor with colostrum is that it helps clear the meconium from your baby's intestines as observed in your baby's first bowel movement. Within approximately forty-eight to seventy-two hours of birth, your colostrum changes to mature milk, that is also high in antibodies, and therefore continues to have a health-protection benefit.

* Another benefit for your baby, is that studies have shown that babies who are breastfed have a lower incidence of ear infections, diabetes, obesity, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

* Breastmilk is always available. It is the right temperature, contains the right combination of nutrients for your growing baby, and is convenient. This can be especially important if your baby has an impatient personality!

* Your baby has a reduced chance of being gassy or colicky, because breastmilk is easier to tolerate than formula.

How breastfeeding benefits moms:

* It is less expensive to breastfeed than it is to buy formula.

* You will find it very convenient to breastfeed. You do not have to wash and sterilize bottles and nipples. You also will not have to pack up bottles, or worry about running out of bottles when you are out of your home.

* Studies indicate that there is a decreased chance of developing ovarian or pre-menopausal breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater are the benefits.

* The pregnancy pounds will come off naturally as you breastfeed, as your body is needing a lot of energy to produce milk for your baby.

* One of my favorite breastfeeding benefits is that menstruation ceases for many months as you breastfeed. But beware! You can still get pregnant when breastfeeding, because there is still the chance of ovulation when you are not expecting it!

* Your body returns to its pre-pregnancy form more quickly. Your uterus will more quickly return to its original size, and you may notice this as a cramping sensation as your baby suckles at the breast.

For All of Us:

* A breastfed baby will result in less trips to the emergency room or pediatrician for ear infections, asthma, and so forth. This results in less healthcare costs. Decreased chances of developing obesity and/or diabetes are also important, as these kinds of conditions can extend past childhood into adulthood.

* Recognizing that breastfeeding is important will result in more acceptance of it by society, so that mothers can feel comfortable with what their bodies are made to do after the birth of their babies.

So, as you can see, breastfeeding has benefits for everyone. Most people know that breastfeeding is best for babies, but they do not necessarily know that there are benefits for others as well. It is our job to spread the word that breastfeeding is best for all of us!

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