The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastmilk provides all of the nutrients your baby needs. The World Health Organization, the Canadian Pediatric Society, and Health Canada all recommend exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months of life. At 6 months your baby will start to eat solid foods but it is great to continue to breastfeed for up to 2 years or for as long as you like.
Benefits for Baby:
- Decreases the risk of ear, chest, and stomach infections.
- Decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Promotes proper jaw development and reduces the risk of cavities.
- May decrease the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, asthma, some childhood cancers, and increase intelligence.
Benefits for Mom:
- Helps to control postpartum bleeding.
- Lowers the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
- May decrease the risk of developing type II diabetes and heart disease later in life.
Other Benefits:
- Breastmilk is convenient, free, and environmentally friendly.
- It promotes bonding between mom and baby.
- It reduces health care costs for the family and society.
Breastfeeding Matters!