Benefits of Breastfeeding

BENEFITS FOR BABY

• Each teaspoon of breast milk contains 3 billion germ killing cells.
• Morning Breast Milk has more volume and less fat, but contains more cortisol for energizing and stimulating activity during the day.
• Night Breast Milk has less volume, more fat and melatonin to help encourage baby to sleep longer stretches at night. (So make sure for pumping mama’s your noting the time down for your expressed milk and give bubs the milk for the time you pumped. eg. Milk pumped at night time is given to baby at night and vice versa for the morning).
• Breastfeeding your daughters is protecting them against the risk of breast cancer in adulthood.
• Prevents diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and asthma, common colds and flus, Urinary Tract Infections, Bacterial Meningitis Lowers risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Your milk changes to suit the needs of baby, so if bub is sick your milk will make antibodies to help bub fight the sickness.
• Provides better immunity against allergies for baby.
• Has all the nutrition bub needs for the first 6 months of life and with food its very good to mix in with solids until baby is 12 months old.
• If breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820 000 child lives would be saved every year (1). Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.

BENEFITS FOR MUM

• Being able to comfort your baby anytime & anyplace.
• Baby gets a taste of food through your breastmilk making starting solid foods easier.
• Breastfeeding releases Oxytocin which makes you feel relaxed and naturally helps you sleep easier at night.
• Prevents postpartum depression and Type 2 diabetes.
• Saves on average $2000-$4000 per year (comparing the cost of formula) Prevents baby having a flat head as they are held in a more variety of positions rather than laying on their back most of the time.
• No need for washing bottles everyday. Breastmilk is sterile so no need for a steriliser if you do give baby expressed milk.
• Colostrum Benefits Contains high levels of protein, salts, fats and Carbohydrates Has plenty of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B12, D, B6, B5, K, C, B1, B2 and B3.
• Contains Immunoglobins and Minerals such as Phosphorus, Chlorine, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium.
• Helps prevent Jaundice, lower blood sugar levels.
• Acts as a laxative to help your baby pass meconium (first poo).
• Easily digested Colostrum provides immunity and protects your babies gut.

DISCLAIMER

This information is to be used as a guide only, please discuss with your health professional or lactation consultant to see what is appropriate for you.

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/general-breastfeeding-information https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/ (Facts) https://www.health-foundations.com/blog/2013/11/19/15-cool-facts-about-breastfeeding/ (benefits for baby) https://www.health-foundations.com/blog/2013/11/19/15-cool-facts-about-breastfeeding/ (FAQ’s)