3 Minute Read

Reviewed By: Nichole Salisbury, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

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Breastfeeding is an important healthcare decision for mother and baby alike. Committing to nursing isn't always easy, but the long-term benefits for both of you certainly make it worth the effort.

For Babies

Babies benefit from breastfeeding in numerous ways, including:

• - Complete nutrition: Breast milk is the best nutrition source for most babies. Its blend of fat, sugar, water, protein and vitamins changes over time to suit your baby’s growth and development needs.
• - Natural soothing: Substances in breast milk naturally soothe infants, helping to reduce fussiness whether you’re at home or on the go.
• - Lower risks for illness and disease: When you breastfeed, you pass along antibodies that can strengthen your baby’s immune system, reducing their risk for developing ear infections, asthma, skin allergies, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, colic, type 1 and 2 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood obesity and cancer.

Keep in mind that babies benefit from breast milk whether they’re nursing or drinking from bottles you prepare via pumping.

For Moms

Nursing mothers also reap benefits from breastfeeding, such as:

• - Support for childbirth recovery: Oxytocin released during breastfeeding aids in recovery by stimulating contractions that help the uterus return to its normal size.
• - Bonding: Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for you to bond with your baby, and as you respond to their cues for feeding, you begin to foster trust.
• - Cost: Generally, breastfeeding has fewer ongoing costs than formula, which can cost up to $10 per day.
• - Convenience: You can feed your baby anytime, anywhere without having to mix powdered formula or chill prepared bottles for feedings.
• - Lower risk for illness and disease: For mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity and premenopausal breast, uterine, ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Free Breastfeeding Classes

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward HealthPoint, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.