You may have preconceived notions about breastfeeding (some positive or some negative). There are so many voices out there trying to convince moms that there is one right or wrong way to feed, sleep, discipline… or really just one right way to be a mother. But, thankfully, God made each and every one of us different… which means different strokes for different folks, as we say in Alabama.

You may have heard “breast is best” countered by “fed is best.” However, those in the lactation field would all agree: supported is best.

You, as a mother deserve lots of things… but I believe you are most deserving of sufficient education related to postpartum life. Followed by support for the decisions you make with the information you have.

Now that we are clear on all that… here begins some of the education you deserve (to help you make the best decision for your family).

We will start with the facts.

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life with continued breastfeeding along with complementatry foods until at least 1 year of age.

2. The World Health Organization recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life with continued breastfeeding along with complementatry foods until at least 2 year of age.

Now, here is a simple list of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

Benefits for Baby

• Antibodies to protect against infections

• Decreased risk of:

  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

  • Obesity

  • Asthma

  • Diarrhea

  • Leukemia

  • Ear Infections

  • Type 2 Diabetes

  • Respiratory Infections

  • Allergies and Eczema

• Nutrition and immunoprotective properties change to meet your baby's needs

• More easily digestible than formula

• Increases bonding and attachment

Benefits for Mama

• Helps the uterus contract to its pre-pregnancy size

• Decreased risk of:

  • Breast Cancer

  • Ovarian Cancer

  • Type 2 Diabetes

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Postpartum Depression

  • Endometriosis

  • Osteoporosis

• Aids in postpartum weight loss

• Readily available anytime it is needed

• Zero preparation or clean-up

• Increases bonding and attachment

• It is FREE

If you’re new here, I offer prenatal consultations that will provide you with customized education that elaborates on the benefits of breastfeeding and SO much more. This allows you to have the prepared beginning with your little one that you deserve… you can read more about that here.

Want to know what other sources have to say? Click here.