Benefits of Breastfeeding

Optimal Nutrition

Human milk is the perfect food for infants. It provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies that support the baby’s growth and development.

Immune System Boost

Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby against infections and illnesses, reducing the risk of respiratory infections, pneumonia, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues including gastroenteritis in infants.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and certain childhood cancers in the baby.

Reduced Risk Of

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

Enhanced Brain Development

Some studies suggest that breastfed babies may have improved cognitive development, academic performance, long-term productivity, and higher IQ scores.

Digestive Health

Breast milk is easily digestible, reducing the likelihood of digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea.

Emotional Bonding

Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between the baby and the mother.

Postpartum Recovery

Breast/chestfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract, leading to a faster recovery after childbirth and reduced postpartum bleeding.

Potential Weight Loss

Lactating burns extra calories, helping the person to lose pregnancy weight more effectively.

Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers

Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Including type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol.

Emotional Well-being

The release of hormones like oxytocin during breastfeeding promotes relaxation and reduces stress, improving emotional well-being and lowering risk of postpartum mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

Convenient and Cost-effective

Breast milk is always available and does not require preparation, saving families an average of $1,500 on formula expenses in the first year of baby’s life.

Healthcare Cost Reduction

Breastfed babies generally have lower healthcare costs due to their reduced risk of infections and chronic diseases. Decreases annual healthcare costs by as much as $312 million in the U.S.

Environmental Impact

Breastfeeding produces no waste compared to formula feeding, making it more eco-friendly. It decreases global carbon footprint as it generally requires no packaging, fuel to prepare, or transportation to deliver and it decreases pollution as it generally creates no waste and doesn’t require disposal in a landfill.

Economical Impact

Breast/chestfeeding offers a 3:1 return on investment for businesses. It attracts valued employees and decreases staff turnover. In fact, companies with lactation support programs have a 92% retention rate compared to the national average of 59%.

Workplace Impact

Employees who have lactation-friendly workplaces have known increases in job satisfaction, morale, loyalty and productivity. Breast/chestfeeding policies also decrease employee absenteeism due to better infant health, and enhances a family-friendly image of a company.

Empowerment and Support

Encouraging and supporting lactation empowers families to make informed decisions about their child’s health and well-being.