FAQ

Importance of Breastfeeding

Often overlooked as insignificant to the development of an infant, breastfeeding has overwhelming benefits not only to the baby, but the mother as well.

Here are just a few reasons to breastfeed your child:

• Provides immunological benefits resulting in fewer infant illnesses and deaths.

• Reduced incidence of respiratory infections .

  • Infants not breastfed are seventeen times more likely to enter the hospital for pneumonia.

• Less diarrhea and dehydration.

• Reduces the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

• Allergy protection.

• Less risk for cancers and diabetes.

Provides benefits to the mother as well:

• Acts as "birth control" for the first few months following delivery.

• Less post-partum blood loss.

• Improves emotional health.

  • Oxytocin improves mood and reduces incidence of postpartum depression.

• Decreased risk of osteoporosis.

• Quicker return to prenatal body weight.

• There are also economic benefits:

  • Reduced health care costs.

    • Less illnesses and doctor visits.

  • Less absenteeism from work.

  • Save money by not purchasing formula.

The bottom line is that lactating mothers are encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of the infant’s life for optimal nutritional benefits.

A great internet resource that we found is: http://www.breastfeeding.com/. It is geared towards answering your questions and making young mothers comfortable with breastfeeding their child.

Neat Solutions has some great books and products for infants that we think you'd enjoy: