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Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits To Children
Higher IQ scores and better performance in school from increased cognitive development.
May have lower risk of obesity in childhood and adulthood.
Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Reduced risk of certain childhood cancers and juvenile onset diabetes.
Reduced risk of developing Hodgkin’s disease and other chronic digestive diseases.
Decreased incidence and severity of allergies.
Enhanced visual, motor and oral development.
Benefits Of Breast Milk To Premature And Low Birth Weight Babies
Higher IQ compared to formula fed premature and low birth weight infants.
Human milk significantly lowers hospital stay.
Reduces hospital expenses.
Reduces the risk of life threatening gastrointestinal system and other infectious diseases.
Benefits To Mothers Who Breastfeed
Reduced risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis.
Faster recovery after childbirth due to decreased postpartum bleeding, less depression and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Benefits To Families
Increased maternal self-confidence facilitating bonding with their infants.
Longer birth spacing.
Economic benefits due to lower costs of medical care, not purchasing formula, and decreased absenteeism from work, which can save a family $1,000-$3,000 per year.
Benefits To Society
Healthier children and a more productive workplace for the future.
Potential for reduced health insurance premiums.
Reduced social cost for morbidity and mortality. Reduced waste of natural resources, water, decreased garbage and pollution.
Sources: Benefits of Breastfeeding www.breastfeedingtaskforla.org
Benefits of Breastfeeding www.usbreastfeeding.org
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