According to a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, the United States would save about $13 billion per year in medical costs if 90 percent of U.S. families breastfed their newborns for at least six months.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby
- Less diarrhea, allergies, ear and respiratory infections
- Lower risk of asthma
- Lower risk of childhood cancer
- Lower risk of diabetes
- Lower risk of obesity
- Bonding time with mommy, receives skin-to-skin, eye and voice contact
- Easily digested
- Perfectly matched nutrition
- Lower risk of incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
- Protects against many viral and bacterial infections
- Decrease risk of childhood cancers
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
- Less risk of breast, uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Less risk of diabetes
- Faster weight loss after pregnancy (breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day)
- Less bleeding after delivery/better healing post-delivery. Helps uterus return to normal size faster
- Less time off work (fewer days infant will be sick)
- Less risk of osteoporosis/stronger bones
- Breastfeeding is cheap (Average cost of formula per month $300) – convenient and economical
- Pride in giving her baby the best nutrition
- A beautiful and intimate way for mom to bond
- May reduce risk of heart disease