Did you know breastfeeding makes a difference?

Breastfeeding offers an unmatched beginning for our children.

• Providing infants with human milk gives then the most complete nutrition possible.
• Human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive.
• Scientific studies have shown that breastfed children have fewer and less serious illnesses and allergies than those who never receive breast milk, including reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and less childhood cancer and diabetes.
• Research also shows that breastfed babies have higher IQs as well as better brain and nervous system development.

Cunningham, A. et al. J Pediatr 1991:118(5): 659-66.

Lucas, A. et al. Lancet 1992; 33:261-62

Mothers who choose to breastfeed are healthier.

Recent studies show that women who breastfeed enjoy decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis. They are empowered by their ability to provide complete nourishment for their babies. Both mother and baby enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship formed through breastfeeding.

Enger et al. Br J Cancer 1997; 76(1):118-23.

Families who breastfeed save money.

In addition to the fact that human milk is free, breastfeeding provides savings on health care costs and related time lost from work to care for sick children. Because breastfeeding saves money and reduces financial pressure on families, parents can take pride in knowing they are able to give their babies the very best.

Tuttle, C.R. et al. J Am Diet Assoc 1996: 96(9):885-90.

Communities reap the benefits of breastfed babies.

Research shows that there is less absenteeism from work among breastfeeding families due to the overall better health of breastfed babies. Resources used to feed those in need can be stretched further when low-income mothers choose to give their babies the gift of their own milk rather than a costly artificial substitute. Therefore, less tax money is required to provide assistance to adequately feed children. When babies are breastfed, both mother and baby are healthier throughout their lives. This translates to lower health care costs and reduces the financial burden on families, insurance companies, and government medical programs.

Montgomery et al. J Am Diet Assoc 1997, 97(4):379-85.

The environment benefits when babies are breastfed.

Although we live in a polluted world, scientists agree that human milk is still the very best food to nourish our babies, and it may even protect babies from some of the effects of pollution. Breastfeeding uses none of the time, paper, plastic or energy necessary for preparing, packaging, and transporting artificial baby milks. Since there is no waste in breastfeeding, each breastfed baby cuts down on pollution and garbage disposal problems. In addition, research shows that exclusive breastfeeding naturally spaces pregnancies.

Rogan, W.J. and Gladen, B.C. Early Hum Dev 1993; 31:181-93.

Breastfeeding matters to everyone!

The American Academy of Pediatrics published a statement declaring human milk to be the preferred food for all newborns. Human milk enhances a baby's health, growth, and development. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeed with no supplements for the first six months and advise that breastfeeding continue for a minimum of 12 months or as long as is mutually desired.

AAP Workgroup on Breastfeeding, Pediatrics 1997, 100(6).