Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Why Should I Breast-feed?
Breast milk is the perfect food for infants throughout the first year
of life. Human breast milk contains the right amount of protein, fat and
carbohydrates for babies to grow healthy and strong. Best of all,
nursing gives the new mother a chance to show her special love and
promotes close mother and child contact.
Breast-fed babies are usually healthier. Breast milk is easier to
digest than cow’s milk and the body better uses the nutrients. The
baby is better able to use the iron in breast milk, and the milk
contains substances that help protect babies against illnesses. Babies
who nurse have less colic and diarrhea, fewer colds, and ear infections.
Breast milk is safe, always fresh and is the least allergenic of any
infant food. Breast milk even protects babies from food allergies as
they get older. The sucking motion also promotes good jaw and tooth
development, as the baby’s jaw muscles are better
exercised while nursing than with bottle feeding.
There are benefits for mothers too. Nursing is convenient, because
there is no shopping for or preparation of formula. Breast milk is
always ready and is the right temperature. The milk is free and costs
much less than the commercial infant formulas available. Nursing also
helps the uterus get back to its normal size after delivery and can help
mom lose any extra weight more quickly than with bottle-feeding. Studies
have even shown a link to reduced risk for breast cancer in women who
nursed their baby at least 4 to 12 months.
For questions about breast-feeding, call the Genesee County Health
Department at (810)257-3428.
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