The female breast is the vital link to sustaining our species. In our societies, the breasts have become the most visible sign of being female. The fear of breast cancer often over shadows the amazing physiologic function of life sustaining milk production for our young. We often forget the importance of the breast in the nurturing of our offspring. Breast feeding is using our breasts for their intended purpose! It has significant benefits for mothers and babies.

 

Breast-feeding has been associated with a decrease risk of breast cancer, and that link may be due to the “flushing” of cleansing of the ductal cells by the production and expression of human milk.

 

Benefits of breast feeding

 

 

FOR MOM

*Helps mom lose pregnancy weight

*Reduces post partum bleeding by

releasing oxytocin ( causes uterine contraction)

*Promotes bonding with your baby

*Can lower your stress levels 

*May reduce your risk of some types of cancer

( Breast cancer) 

*May protect against osteoporosis later in life

 

 

 

 

FOR BABY

*Protects your baby from gastrointestinal trouble, respiratory problems, and ear infections

*Can prevent allergies in your baby

*Breast milk contains CCK (Cholecystokinin) sleep hormone

*May lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome)

*May boost your child's intelligence 

*May protect against obesity later in life 

*May protect your baby from childhood leukemia 

*May protect your baby from developing type 1 diabetes 

*May protect preemies from infections and high blood pressure later in life