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5 Reasons Breastfeeding is Awesome

Published April 18, 2015

Many mothers turn to breastfeeding because of the close bonding experience it provides. But now, thanks to modern science, we know that breastfeeding does much more than that. Certainly it's not for everyone, but breastfeeding is the healthiest option out there. Don’t believe me? Keep reading to find out just what breast milk provides and how, in its own way, rivals commercial formulas.

Why You Should Breastfeed

Whether you're thinking about breastfeeding your baby or you're just curious about its benefits, you should know the facts. Here's 5 reasons why breastfeeding is just plain awesome.

1. Breastfeeding Provides the Best Nutrition

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests the best strategy for nutrition and health protection is "exclusive breastfeeding […] for the first 6 months of life" and "breastfeeding with complementary foods from six months until at least 12 months of age." ^[1] Breastfeeding your child during the first few months of life could also influence the makeup of the gut microbiome—making the transition to solid foods easier. ^[2]

2. Breastfeeding Shapes the Immune System

But breastfeeding does more than just help your baby with that transition to solid food. A recent study suggests breastfeeding your baby could even influence a developing immune system by, once again, influencing the microbiome. This, in turn, could also lessen your child's chances of developing allergies or asthma. ^[3]

3. Breastfeeding Promotes Healthy Gut Flora

Preventing allergies (and asthma) is just the tip of the iceberg. Many studies have already suggested children who are breastfed also have a "lower incidence of obesity […] diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease later in life." (4) Because babies are born without gut bacteria, they need help developing a healthy microbiome. ^[4] Recent evidence suggests breastfeeding could help with that.

4. Breastfeeding Makes Kids Smarter and Richer

OK, that's probably one bold statement, but it's not quite far off. One study out of Brazil found babies who were breastfed actually had higher IQs, went to school longer, and made more money as adults. ^[5] But it's more than just breastfeeding–the amount of time a child is breastfed could be very important as well: "for example, an infant […] breastfed for at least a year gained a full four IQ points, had 0.9 years more schooling […], and a higher income of 341 reais"—about 112 dollars—"per month at the age of 30 years, compared to those breastfed for less than one month."

5. Breastfeeding Makes the Best Economic Sense

Let's look past the immediate health benefits for a moment. When it comes to the economy, breastfeeding could save countries millions in future health costs—and those savings make a lot of sense. ^[6] A UK research team figured out that savings from "reducing the incidence of common childhood diseases and curbing the subsequent risk of breast cancer" in mothers "all of which have been linked to low rates of breastfeeding" could save the equivalent of close to 60 million dollars each year! p>

One Final Thought

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for you as a mother, and your child's health can only benefit. Make sure that you are getting enough nutrients during pregnancy and while lactating. In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, you also want to make sure that you are getting enough iodine: “the addition of 150 mcg of iodine in all prenatal vitamins will ensure that the developing brain of the baby during pregnancy and early infancy will have sufficient iodine to develop to its maximal potential.” ^[7]

Do you know of any other health benefits of breastfeeding? Tell us about them in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM