Expert Information for Parents On-Line
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THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

INFOPARENTS.COM: Breastfeeding is by far the most natural, and most healthy way to feed your baby. Aside from promoting maternal infant bonding, breastmilk offers many other advantages which include protection against intestinal, ear and other infections. It's composition is perfectly suited for a baby's delicate digestive system, so breastfed babies experience few of the digestive upsets, diarrhea or constipation that are often associated with the use of formulas. Breastmilk also adapts its composition to meet your baby's changing needs over the course of lactation.

During the first 6 months, breastmilk alone can provide virtually all the nutrients needed to ensure your baby's normal growth and development. In some cases though, but not all, exclusively breastfed babies may need to take a vitamin D supplement, depending on the amount baby's exposure to sunlight. The possible need to use supplements should be decided on an individual basis with your pediatrician.

Breastmilk is made up of a complex composition of important proteins, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, iron and many other nutrients which are tailored to meet your baby's specific and changing needs. These nutrients are delivered in forms which are easily absorbed by your baby's delicate digestive system. Furthermore, breastmilk is always sterile, or free of germs. For these reasons, children who are breastfed tend to have fewer problems with diarrhea, constipation and other digestive upsets than children who are fed formulas.

Another major benefit of breastmilk is that it contains antibodies. Antibodies are substances created by the immune system to fight off infectious germs such as bacteria and viruses. Antibodies created in the mother's system are passed through breastmilk into the baby's system, offering temporary protection against common infections, including intestinal and ear infections. Breastfeeding also reduces the incidence of food allergies in later life, as well as promoting good mouth and jaw development.

When taken in combination with solid foods, breastmilk is also an excellent source of nutrition for infants older than six months. It is recommended that babies be breastfed for at least 6 to 12 months, or longer if both mother and baby desire.

This answer is provided by Infoparents.com, Expert Information for Parents On-Line, for more parenting resources and information please visit www.infoparents.com


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The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your health and/or allied health professional, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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