We all know how important a healthy diet is for adults. For babies, however, a healthy diet is absolutely critical for proper growth and development. Luckily nature has given us an easy way to ensure that babies get proper nutrition: breastfeeding. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antibodies, breast milk offers exactly the balanced nutrition that newborns and babies need. Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both baby and mother.

How is Formula Different from Breast Milk?
The composition of breast milk changes as the baby grows. During pregnancy and immediately after work, breast milk is thick and yellow. Called colostrum, this milk is sometimes called “liquid gold” because it is so packed with nutrients. Once the infant is a bit older, the breast milk thins, but it still contains all necessary nutrients. Breast milk contains the precise balance of water, sugar, fat and protein that babies need to grow.

In addition to its nutritional value, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula or cow milk. Many mothers also prefer to breastfeed because there is no chance of contamination, as there is with formula. Breast milk is the safest, healthiest feeding option for infants and babies.

Health Advantages for Infants
Beyond delivering proper nutrition so that babies can grow healthy and strong, breastfeeding improves a baby’s immune system, lowering the baby’s risk for a host of medical issues:

• Reduces the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal problems, ear infections and respiratory trouble
• Protects the baby from developing allergies
• Improves the baby’s intelligence
• Reduces the likelihood of childhood obesity

Additionally breastfeeding has recently been tied to lower incidence of childhood leukemia, Type I diabetes, and SIDS. For premature babies, breastfeeding may protect from both infections and higher blood pressure later in life.

Benefits for New Mothers
Although breastfeeding may take some effort and occasionally involve discomfort, it gives mothers many benefits:

• Breastfeeding promotes weight loss for new mothers.
• It can lower stress, because it’s a relaxing ritual.
• Mothers who breastfeed have lower incidence of postpartum depression.
• Breastfeeding can lower postpartum bleeding.
• It also reduces women’s risk of osteoarthritis and some kinds of cancer.

The choice whether to breastfeed is a very personal one. Expectant mothers can discuss their options with their health care providers or a lactation consultant. To find a healthcare provider near you, call 1-866-442-2362.