Breastfed babies:

• get sick less often and get illnesses that are less severe
• are hospitalized less often and have a lower rate of mortality
• have a lower incidence of ear infections, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea
• have a lower rate of obesity in childhood and later on in life
• have higher IQ scores and fewer learning and behavior disorders
• are at less risk of SIDS, childhood cancers, juvenile onset diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other chronic digestive diseases
• have better teeth and jaw development
• have better visual and motor development
• experience decreased incidence and severity of allergies

Breastfeeding:

• Increases mother-child bonding, which can lead to better parenting and may even decrease the incidence of child abuse.
• Is protective against breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
• Creates an economic benefit; breastmilk is free.
• Can contribute to natural family planning and child spacing.
• Facilitates a faster recovery after childbirth due to decreased postpartum bleeding, increased uterine involution, and less postpartum depression.
• Increases confidence is and promotes self-esteem.
• Allows mothers to lose pregnancy weight faster.
• Results in fewer trips to the pediatrician.
• Results in less waste of natural resources and water and decreases garbage and pollution. Breastfeeding is Earth friendly!
• Decreases tax dollars spent to subsidize dairy farming, free formula, Medicaid, and other health care programs.
• Is protective against measles and other communicable diseases.
• Makes children healthier, which makes for a better future.