Friday fun: Send in your "Benefits of Breastfeeding" favorite
We've been babbling here at the The Baby Babble since February 2005 and throughout that time there's been no shortage of good news about breastfeeding. We've tried to document the latest findings in recent research, showing that breastfeeding is good for moms and good for babies. We've also documented efforts in the U.S. and abroad to increase breastfeeding and to make it--well--at least not a CRIME to breastfeed in public.
So, a quick review of our two-plus years of The Baby Babble shows these breastfeeding benefits:
In appears that breastfeeding can...
...prevent arthritis in the mother
...curb baby allergies, if mother is happy while breastfeeding
...prevent depression in mothers
...promote better mental health in the child's later child years
...promote better mental health in the child's adult life
...ease the pain of a needle stick in a newborn if he/she is breastfeeding when it occurs
...prevents bed-wetting as child gets older
...helps brain development in very premature babies
...may prevent pneumonia for the baby
...result in better blood pressure when the child is an adult
Surely we've missed one or two benefits? Or, perhaps you've noticed your own that you would like to share with The Baby Babble audience? Fun or serious, we'd like to hear the benefits of breastfeeding that you've noticed. Use the comment feature just below. Mothers past, present and future will thank you for it!
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i nursed both of my sons during their infancy. my first son stopped nursing just before his 2nd birthday. my second son enjoyed mom's milk for 14 months.
both guys grew up fairly healthy, great skin, adjusted, happy fellas. i enjoyed the entire experience. my sons are now 35 and 25. i have grandchildren from the eldest and his children were breastfed and the newest baby is being breastfed.
it works!!!!
Posted by: stephanie | June 29, 2007 at 11:32 PM
when my daughter was a newborn, the nurse had me nurse her when she drew blood and sure enough she didnot cry. The other time she had her blood drawn when I was not nursing she cried! I
Posted by: Amy | July 03, 2007 at 05:43 AM
My favorites:
1)Nursing is a great fix-it-all once a baby becomes a toddler.
2) My babies were/are pretty healthy, but in cases of illness, breastmilk is reputed to be BETTER than electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte for keeping a sick baby/toddler hydrated.
3) Nursing and co-sleeping (look up Dr. James McKenna for info about safe bedsharing) makes night-time parenting SO much more restful for us. :)
I also wanted to post the link to 101 Reasons to Breastfeed: http://www.promom.org/101 - the site includes research data etc.
Posted by: busybusymomma | July 05, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I lost my baby weight pretty quickly, and after nursing my son for almost two years, I weigh less than before I was pregnant! I also have a great bond wth my son, a way to soothe him, and I have lots of advice for other mothers!
Breastfeeding was also very cost-efficient! We never had to pay for formula, or worry about running out. Whereever we go, it's ready and available!
Posted by: Emily | July 18, 2007 at 11:55 AM