Breastfeeding

Give beastfeeding a GO! 

Did you know that breastmilk is all that your baby needs the first six months?  
Breastmilk provides all the protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, water, DHA/ARA, probiotics and prebiotics that your baby needs.  In addition, it contains stem cells, antibodies, anti-virus, anti-parasites, enzymes, hormones and anti- cancer agents, just to name few.  You cannot find any of these in formula. 

So what does this mean?  
Breastfed babies have less ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea, constipation, asthma and allergies.  Breastfed babies are less likely to die from SIDS, develop diabetes or become overweight later in life.

Want to know what else is interesting?  
Breastmilk is convenient because it is always clean, safe and at the perfect temperature.   That means no worrying about your water supply, mixing formula correctly, warming bottles or washing bottles and nipples.  

Are their benefits for mom too?  
Absolutely!  Breastfeeding moms are less likely to develop diabetes, breast cancer and postpartum depression.  Plus, your body burns around 700 calories a day to make breastmilk.  So nursing moms may lose their pregnancy weight faster (and who wouldn’t want to do that?).  

How long should I breastfeed?  
You don’t need to have a solid ending date.  Every time your baby drinks your breastmilk, you are adding benefits for the baby and yourself.  So breastfeed for one day or one week at a time and continue until you feel ready to stop.  Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6-12 months provides the most health benefits for you and your baby.  

Should I also use formula?  
The longer you can provide only breastmilk the better.  Breastfeeding doesn’t need to be all or nothing…but consider going for it all!