Fanbox for the Dummies

Why Is Breastfeeding So Important?

    Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child.  Dramatic health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breastmilk   From antibodies which protect an infant at birth...to the exclusive nutrients in mother's milk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases...the benefits are incalculable.  There is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby.


     Yet, in today's society, breastfeeding is often thought of as unnecessary.  Young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that formula does very well as a replacement for breastmilk.  It emphatically does not!  Nothing can duplicate the properties of breastmilk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.

     Breastmilk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants.  It is nature's formula for ensuring the health and quality of life for infants, as well as on through childhood to adult life.  Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide.

     To fully understand the benefits of breastfeeding, these are some of the major, but by no means all of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding Facts
Health Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed

• Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies

• The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs

• Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)

• Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis

• Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets

• Reduced risk of childhood diabetes

• Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),

• Protection against allergies,   asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease

• Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics