101 Benefits of Breastfeeding

While reading in a forum one day, I came across a link to a very well done video on the benefits of breastfeeding. A Mama named Jamie (KlingonLady77 on YouTube) decided that she would write out her reasons for choosing not to formula feed her baby. She came up with 101 of them!

I knew I just had to pass it on to all of you. I know some things about the benefits of breastfeeding, but not so much as to rattle off 101 reasons like Jamie did here. You'll probably find some new ways nursing is beneficial for your baby that you've never realized before.

I’ve posted her video here for your enjoyment and have added a running list of all her benefits of breastfeeding underneath the video (click here to read the reasons). If you have any more benefits of breastfeeding to add, feel free to use the form at the bottom of the page.

101 Benefits of Breastfeeding (Written list)

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding
2. The American Dietetic Association promotes breastfeeding
3. Breast milk is easier to digest than formula
4. Breast cancer risks increase when mothers don’t breastfeed
5. Baby’s sucking helps shrink mother’s uterus after birth
6. Formula feeding increases the risk that a baby girl will develop breast cancer later in life
7. Formula feeding is associated with lower I.Q.
8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula does
9. Breast milk help pass meconium
10. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby’s immune system
11. Breastfeeding satisfied baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby
12. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition
13. The risks of developing ovarian cancer increase when Mom’s don’t breastfeed
14. Nursing helps Mom lose weight after baby is born
15. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants
16. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend it
17. Breastfeeding protects against Crohn’s disease
18. Formula feeding increases the risks of that child developing diabetes
19. Breastfeeding helps decrease the insulin requirements in diabetic mothers
20. Breastfeeding may help stabilize the progress of maternal endometriosis
21. Baby’s suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother
22. The risks of developing endometrial cancer increase when Mom’s don’t breastfeed
23. Formula feeding increases the risks of baby developing allergies
24. Breastfeeding lowers the risks of baby developing asthma
25. Formula feeding increases the risks of baby developing otitis media (ear infections)
26. Formula feeding may increase the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
27. Breast milk protects baby from diarrheal infections
28. Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis
29. Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections
30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers
31. Breastfeeding decreases chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis
32. Breastfeeding decreases child’s chances of contracting Hodgkins disease
33. Breastfeeding protects baby against some vision defects
34. Breastfeeding decreases the chances of osteoporosis
35. Breast milk aids in proper intestinal development
36. Cow’s milk is an intestinal irritant
37. Formula fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life
38. Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding
39. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis
40. Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria
41. Breastfed babies require shorter pre- and post-surgical fasting
42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents
43. Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness
44. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis
45. Breastfeeding contributes to optimal child spacing
46. Breastfeeding is easier than using formula
47. Breast milk is FREE
48. Formula is EXPENSIVE
49. Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) MILLIONS of dollars
50. Breastfed babies require fewer doctor visits
51. Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein
52. Breast milk acts like a natural tranquilizer for baby
53. Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for Mom
54. Breast milk tastes better than formula
55. Breastfed babies are healthier overall
56. Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday
57. Breast milk is always the right temperature
58. Breastfeeding mothers spend less time and money on doctor visits
59. Breastfeeding provides fewer waste packaging products
60. NO bottles to tote
61. Breastfeeding may lower the risks of developing high cholesterol
62. NO need to refrigerate
63. Cow’s milk is designed for baby cows, whereas human milk is designed for human babies
64. Breast milk aids in the proper development of baby’s gastrointestinal tract
65. Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby
66. human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant
67. A breastfeeding Mom gets more sleep
68. Babies that nurse are happier at night
69. More sleep for Dad
70. Less equipment to maintain and store
71. Less equipment to buy
72. Breast milk has NEVER been recalled due to manufacturing problems
73. Fresh breast milk is NEVER contaminated with bacteria
74. No need to worry about which brand is better
75. No need to worry about adding contaminated water
76. Breastfed babies get fewer stomach infections
77. Facilitates proper dental and jaw development
78. Breastfed babies have less tooth decay
79. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia
80. Better speech development
81. Less chance of baby getting eczema
82. Breastfed babies have great skin
83. Less spit-up
84. Breastfeeding is better for premature infants
85. Breast milk conatains no genetically engineered materials
86. Breast milk contains no synthetic growth hormones
87. Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life
88. Less chance of inguinal hernia
89. Better cognitive development for low birth weight babies
90. Better social development
91. Decreased risk of baby developing urinary tract infections
92. Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination
93. Breastfeeding protects mothers against anemia
94. Breastfeeding mothers spend less on menstrual supplies
95. Breastfeeding is a self-confidence booster for Mom
96. Breast milk may help combat eye infections
97. Breastfeeding may lower blood pressure in childhood
98. No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula
99. Much nicer diaper changes
100. Breastfed babies smell fantastic
101. It’s what breasts were designed for

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