My breast is still the best

No need for an explanation why until now, even if not exclusively, I still breastfeed my little girl.

Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is an easy, inexpensive and healthy way to feed your infant. Recommendations are to breastfeed your newborn for the first 12 months of life because of the many benefits to both you and your baby. However, it's important to know that the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends breastfeeding for those women who don't have health problems.

 

Benefits to baby

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Breast fed babies have lower rates of asthma, gastroenteritis, and ear infections, as well as higher levels of development and intelligence. Breast milk contains two specific fatty acids that may help increase the infant's brain development. Breast fed infants, and those who are fed expressed breast milk, have fewer deaths during the first year. Not only that, but breast fed infants have fewer illnesses than babies fed formula. Finally, breast milk helps prevent common childhood illnesses and infections.

 

Benefits to mom

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to you as a mother. These benefits include a more rapid return of uterine tone, postpartum weight loss, delay of ovulation, and decreased risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. There is evidence that indicates many mothers that breastfeed have fewer episodes of postpartum depression.

 

Lactation consultants

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to you and your baby. If you are breastfeeding and experiencing difficulty contact your health center, healthcare provider's office or hospital for help. A lactation consultant, someone trained to help women with breastfeeding, may be able to help you. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about getting help with breastfeeding.

 

When not to breastfeed

In certain situations, women are advised not to breastfeed. This may be due to certain health conditions, medicines or a chronic illness. It is always important to discuss with your healthcare provider how you plan to feed your baby.

 

Yahoo Health