We’ve all heard the saying, “Breast is best.”
But is it?
Turns out, yeah.
So good, in fact, that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life.
Here are some benefits to baby:
- Breastfed babies get sick less often, both as infants and later in life. This includes ear infections and stomach viruses as babies and Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure as adults.
- Breastfed babies have fewer allergic reactions than their formula-fed counterparts.
- Breastfed babies perform higher on vocabulary tests at age 5.
- Breastfeeding reduces a child’s risk of becoming overweight or obese.
- Breastfeeding may lower a baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Some benefits to Mom:
- Breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of postpartum depression and her stress level.
- Breastfeeding eases weight loss.
- Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
While the benefits are clear, it doesn’t mean breastfeeding is easy for all women. If you are a new mom and want to breastfeed, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Mesa County has a breastfeeding task force. Contact them through the Women, Infant and Children’s office at the Mesa County Health Department – 970-248-6900.
Also, celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, which is Aug. 1-7, at “The Big Latch On” Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. and with prize drawings Aug. 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Both events are at Colorado Baby, 560 Main St. See you there!