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My regular readers will be aware that I am an advocate for breast feeding. Even when my mental health was deteriorating as a new mother, it was the one thing that I could do well and only I could give my son. Having to be hospitalised without my son ‘stole’ this very special experience from us, and one of the reasons I shall always campaign for the need of Mother and Baby Units. For other mothers, alternative choices of feeding suit them or their babies better. From the extensive research I did for my second book, I acknowledge that what is best for mum is best for baby.  I have written about this subject many times (for example, here) so am pleased to share this guest post with you:

‘This year marks the 25th annual celebration of World Breastfeeding Week  #WBW2017 – a full seven days that are devoted to the wonder and miracle that is breastfeeding. This time is set aside to celebrate those who have committed to breastfeeding, but also to help educate others on why breastfeeding is so critical to a baby’s health.

However, World Breastfeeding Week is far from a once off event; its vision is much broader than that. Organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, their aim is not only promote breastfeeding but also fight for the woman’s right to choose to do so. Because when women decide to breastfeed, it has a ripple down effect that can positively impact our society in many different ways.

While most people realize that breastfeeding is the superior choice to its alternatives, few understand how truly far-reaching the benefits truly are. To learn more about these amazing benefits, keep reading below and check out the infographic below by Mom Loves Best which lists over 110 benefits that breastfeeding has to offer to babies, mothers, and our society as a whole.

Give Your Baby a Healthy Start

Breastfeeding gives your child the perfect start they need to have the greatest chance at being healthy and well developed. Breast milk contains antibodies that will help babies fight off infections like diarrhea, ear infections, and urinary tract infections.

There is a strong link between breastfeeding and higher IQ scores in children, as well as offering preventive care for developmental issues like poor vision, delayed developed motor skills, and a weak immune system. Breastfed babies also enjoy lower risks of developing deadly and chronic diseases such diabetes, Chron’s disease, obesity, and cancer.

Increase Your Health

It’s not just about the babies though; there are just as many benefits for moms. Breastfeeding increases the rate of pregnancy weight loss as it burns roughly 300-500 more calories per day. Breastfed babies tend to sleep better, which means that mothers do too.

Babies are expensive, but breastfeeding can save your family well over a thousand dollars in the first year, as you won’t have to worry about buying formula. Lactation also provides natural contraception protection, preventing costly unplanned pregnancies.

As if that wasn’t enough, breastfeeding lowers the risk of all cancers, including breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. It even protects mothers from urinary tract infections, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Make the World A Better Place

Breastfeeding has the potential to benefit people all around the world. Making a choice to breastfeed lowers medical expenses for mothers and children, which in turn reduces medical premiums and excess tax spending on public healthcare systems. Breastfed mothers and children also take fewer sick days and have higher workplace productivity.

You can even breathe easier knowing that breastfeeding results in less air and landfill pollution as a result of fewer factories producing formula and it’s non-bio degradable containers.

As you can see, it’s no wonder that this year, World Breastfeeding Week is all about “working together for the common good.” It’s clear that the decision to breastfeed is more than just personal. It has the potential to benefit us all.’

About the Author

This post was written by Jenny Silverstone. Jenny is the mother of two, a writer, and a breastfeeding advocate. You can find her sharing her journey through motherhood, and giving advice on overcoming common breastfeeding struggles on her blog Mom Loves Best.
E: jenny@momlovesbest.com
W: https://momlovesbest.com

Thank you Jenny for sending me this!

Elaine 🙂