Breast-feeding feeding has once again become very common in today’s society. But, did you know why it is so healthy for baby? Here are just a few reasons to consider.
Breast-fed babies have:
- fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the USA. (Did you know that 20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5 in the USA, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths every year?)
- reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets.
- reduced risk of childhood diabetes.
- natural protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections and septicemia (blood poisoning).
- greater protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and other allergic diseases.
- reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). (Did you know that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed?)
- decreased risk of tooth decay and cavities.
- higher IQ’s, as well as improved brain and nervous system development. The IQ of breast-fed children is 10-12 points higher than bottle-fed peers at the age of 8, 12, and 18.
- reduced risk of heart disease later in life.
- a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers.
- higher antibody response to vaccines.
- a hospitalization rate 10 times less than formula-fed infants in the first year of life.
- decreased risk for vitamin E and iron deficiency (anemia).
- decreased risk for acute appendicitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- lower risk of childhood obesity.
The lesson is simple. Breast-feed your baby!
A separate blog will highlight some of the health benefits that breast-feeding brings to the mother.