Benefits of Breastfeeding Breastmilk is best for almost all infants. Not only is breastmilk nutritionally superior, breastfeeding also provides many other physical and emotional advantages to the baby and mother. The following are just some of the many benefits on breastfeeding. Read up these books and websites to find out more.
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Why Breast is Best

FOR BABY

Breastmilk is "Species Specific" and Made Specifically for Human Babies: Due to the anti-infective properties of breastmilk, breastfed babies tend to have less incidence of or less pronounced symptoms of ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting. Due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated.

1. Due to the anti-infective properties of breastmilk, breastfed babies tend to have less incidence of or less pronounced symptoms of ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting.
   
2. Due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated.
   
3. The stools of breastfed babies are mild-smelling.
   
4. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is less common in breastfed babies.
   
5. Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the baby. Nutritional composition of breastmilk changes as the baby's nutritional needs change - even within a single feeding.
   
6. Breastfed babies are constantly exposed to a variety of tastes through their mother's milk.
   
7. Breastfed children are at less risk for chrohn's disease and juvenile diabetes.
   
8. Children who were breastfed are less likely to need orthodontic work such as braces due to the unique sucking action required with breastfeeding.
   
9. IQ levels are an average of 8 points higher in children who were breastfed.
   
10. Adults who were breastfed have a lower risk for high cholesterol and asthma.
    
11. The bond between mother and child seems to be enhanced with breastfeeding.

FOR MOMMIES

1. Nursing immediately following delivery causes the uterus to contract lessening the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
   
2. The uterus of a breastfeeding mother shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
   
3. Calories are burned while breastfeeding. It takes approximately 20 calories to produce an ounce of milk.
   
4. Women who nurse their babies for at least 6 months lessen their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer.
   
5. Osteoporosis and cervical cancer are less common in women who breastfed.
   
6. The return of fertility is delayed with breastfeeding.
   
7. Breastfeeding is more economical than formula feeding. The cost of formula for 12 months is approximately S$1000 - S$1200.
   
8. Breastmilk is always available, clean, and the right temperature.
   
9. Many mothers feel a special satisfaction in knowing that they alone are meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.

Compiled from the following sources:

• Practical Hints on Breastfeeding by BMSG (Singapore)
• The Breastfeeding Book by William Sears & Martha Sears
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
• Breastfeeding policy by American Academy of Pediatrician
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Unicef

Useful Links:

• 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child
• Outcomes of Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
• Advantages of Breastfeeding A-Z
  

Contributed by Jenny Wee, a breastfeeding mother

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