100 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby

100 reasons to breastfeed PDF Print E-mail

We’ve broken this HUGE list into three – best for baby, best for you, and best all around!

Please bear in mind that many of these studies are based on single geographical areas, and even when matched as case controls, are subject to bias, as so many factors must be taken into account when assessing something quite "immesurable" such as infacnt feeding. Many other factors are at play here, and these studies have been chosen of course to display the positive effects and merits (and potential) of breastfeeding, not to cause a scientific scrap!Please also remember that the corollory of these facts below do not match, we are not for a second saying for example, that formula feeding increases risk of any kind, and this data cannot be altered to state same.
The Breast Way for your baby
1. Breast feeding your baby girl reduces her risk of developing breast cancer by 25%.
For both pre and post menopausal breast cancer, women who were breastfed even for a short time, had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer

Exposure to breastmilk in infancy and the risk of breast cancer.
Epidemiology. 1994 May;5(3):324-31.

2. Breast milk provides immunity against viruses your baby comes in contact with.
You make antibodies that are passed to your baby in breast milk, protecting your baby against every virus you are exposed to, preventing them from getting sick, and helping them recover faster.

The mammary gland-infant intestine immunologic dyad.
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2000;478:65-76. Review.

3. Breast milk kick starts your baby’s immune system
Exclusively breastfed babies have far less incidence of contracting infections because your precious milk contains so much good stuff! It contains healthy bacteria, antibodies, white blood cells (leucocytes), antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory agents. These agents evolved to compensate for developmental delays in the immune system during infancy. Indeed, that explains the defense by human milk against common infectious diseases in infancy, necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants, and immune-mediated disorders such as Crohn's disease in later childhood. These diverse evolutionary outcomes underscore the superiority of human milk for the nutrition of human infants.

The immune system in human milk and the developing infant.
Breastfeed Med. 2007 Dec;2(4):195-204. Review.

4. Breastfeeding helps a baby to pass meconium.

Colostrum, or early milk, is uniquely designed to help move this substance through the babys’ system.
5. Breastfeeding strengthens your babys’ immature digestive system.

This helps breastfed babies to absorb food more rapidly, grow better and resist infections such as gastroenteritis. Your breastfed babys’ stomach lining will be 15 times thicker than that of a formula fed baby. This helps to absorb food more rapidly and grow better.
6. Human milk for human babies. Cow’s milk for cows.

No?
Cows’ milk is designed to put on lots of weight, very fast, grow amazingly fast and sustain a cow’s brain. Doesn’t your baby need something different? Like human milk?
7. The world health organization recommends it.

“Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with implications for the health of mothers. As a global health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years and beyond.

Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production.”
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/facts/en/index4.html

8. Breast milk is always at the ready wherever you and your baby go, and has far more appealing packaging!

No reference needed!!
9. Breast milk provides a perfectly proportioned diet for your baby as it grows. Formula does not!

Your body knows who its breastfeeding! It adjusts the content of your milk according to the babys’ needs. Even in hot weather your milk adjusts to become more thirst quenching for your hot babe! Formula is formula no matter what the weather and whether or not you baby has a cold and needs more of a boost.

Position of the American Dietetic Association: breaking the barriers to breastfeeding.
J Am Diet Assoc. 2001 Oct;101(10):1213-20.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11794495?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.
PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_
DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus

10. Breastfed babies spit up less!

Less hassle, less laundry, fuller tummy! Breast milk is more easily digested and so breastfed babies have far less spit up than formula fed.

The prevalence of regurgitations in the first 2 days of life in human milk- and formula-fed term infants.
Breastfeed Med. 2006 Autumn;1(3):168-71.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17661594?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

11. Breastfed babies have less constipation.

The relationship between stool hardness and stool composition in breast- and formula-fed infants.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7884622?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

12. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers its mothers immunity.

This means less pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staph infections, flu, ear infections, German Measles.
Isn’t that 7 more reasons!?

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/895_brstfeed.html

13. Pre-term milk is especially designed for premature babies

Milk produced by women who deliver premature babies differs from that produced after a full term delivery. Until the baby catches up to their edd, the mothers milk remains similar to colostrum. How amazing is that?

Breast milk composition in a cohort of pre-term infants' mothers followed in an ambulatory programme in Colombia.
Acta Paediatr. 2007 Dec;96(12):1755-9. Epub 2007 Oct 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17931396?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

14. Breastfeeding protects babies against diarrheoa.

Chronic enteropathy and feeding in children: An update.
Nutrition. 2008 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621505?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

15. Breastfeeding protects against Crohns’ disease.

Crohns’ disease is an intestinal disorder that is chronic and life-lasting. It is one of a spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease that casues inflammation of the intestinal wall. It is extremely difficult to treat, and frequently requires multiple medications for life, and often bowel surgery to remove diseased portions of bowel.

Breastfeeding and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Nov;80(5):1342-52. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531685?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

16. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis.

Another inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulceration and inflammation of the large bowel and rectum, often requiring radical surgery. A number of studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop this disease.

Breastfeeding and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Nov;80(5):1342-52. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531685?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

17. Formula increases the risk of children developing diabetes.

Many studies link the onset of juvenile diabetes to a lack of breastfeeding. It also conveys a protection against the development of Type II diabetes in later life.

Advances in our understanding of the biology of human milk and its effects on the offspring.
J Nutr. 2007 Feb;137(2):503S-510S.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17237337?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Early nutrition and later diabetes risk.
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2005;569:142-50. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16137119?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

18. Breastfed baby girls have a lower incidence of endometriosis in later life.

Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial lining develops in places other than the uterus such as the ovaries, with painful complications and heavy bleeding. Endometriosis can affect a woman’s fertility. Some women have claimed permanent cure through breastfeeding.

Breast-fed infants, possibly exposed to dioxins in milk, have unexpectedly lower incidence of endometriosis in adult life.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2000 Feb;68(2):151-3. No abstract available
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10717822?ordinalpos=9&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

19. Formula fed babies have a higher rate of ear infections (otitis media)

Research has shown otitis media to be 3-4 times more prevalent in formula fed babies.

A prospective cohort study on breast-feeding and otitis media in Swedish infants.
Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1994 Mar;13(3):183-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8177624?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

20. Formula feeding increases a babies’ chance of developing allergies.

This is especially true in families with strong family histories of allergy. This includes asthma, eczema, food allergies, respiratory allergies.

The association between infant feeding practices and subsequent atopy among children with a family history of asthma.
Clin Exp Allergy. 2007 May;37(5):671-9
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17456214?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

21. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease.

Lancet. 1995 Dec 23-30;346(8991-8992):1714. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8551865?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

22. Breast milk lowers baby’s risk of developing asthma.

Association between breast feeding and asthma in 6 year old children: findings of a prospective birth cohort study.
BMJ. 1999 Sep 25;319(7213):815-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10496824?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

23. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome)

Sudden infant death syndrome.
Lancet. 2007 Nov 3;370(9598):1578-87. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17980736?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries.
Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2007 Apr;(153):1-186. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764214?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

24. Breastfeeding protects against bacterial meningitis.

Protective effect of breastfeeding: an ecologic study of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and breastfeeding in a Swedish population.
Int J Epidemiol. 1999 Feb;28(1):152-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10195681?ordinalpos=14&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

25. Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections.


Breastfed babies are less than half as likely to be hospitalized with a pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Risk of respiratory illness resulting in hospitalization is tripled in infants who are not breastfed, compared with those who are exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months.

Immunomodulatory constituents of human milk change in response to infant bronchiolitis.
Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2007 Sep;18(6):495-502.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17680907?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

26. Breastfeeding protects against Leukaemia.

A University of Minnesota showed that babies who were breastfed for 1 month had a 21% less chance of developing leukaemia than formula fed babies. The risk was reduced by 30% in those breastfed for 6 months.

Does prolonged breastfeeding reduce the risk for childhood leukemia and lymphomas?
Minerva Pediatr. 2008 Apr;60(2):155-61.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18449131?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Br J Cancer. 2005 Aug 8;93(3):379-84.
Breastfeeding patterns and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Kwan ML, Buffler PA, Wiemels JL, Metayer C, Selvin S, Ducore JM, Block G
Thisa study disporves any link between the two however:
The risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was investigated in relation to breastfeeding patterns in the Northern California Childhood Leukaemia Study. Data collected by self-administered and in-person questionnaires from biological mothers of leukaemia cases (age 0-14 years) in the period 1995-2002 were matched to birth certificate controls on date of birth, sex, Hispanic ethnic status, and maternal race. Ever compared to never breastfeeding was not associated with risk of ALL at ages 1-14 years (odds ratio=0.99; 95% CI=0.64-1.55) and ages 2-5 years (OR=1.49; 95% CI=0.83-2.65). Various measures of breastfeeding duration compared to absence of breastfeeding also had no significant effect on risk. Complimentary feeding characteristics such as type of milk/formula used and age started eating solid foods among breastfed children were not associated with ALL risk. This study provides no evidence that breastfeeding affects the occurrence of childhood ALL.


Review of case-control studies related to breastfeeding and reduced risk of childhood leukemia.
Pediatrics. 2005 Nov;116(5):e724-31. Review
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16263987?ordinalpos=18&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Breast-feeding and risk of childhood acute leukemia.
J Natl Cancer Inst. 1999 Oct 20;91(20):1765-72.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10528028?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Combining data from the UKCCS with results from other published studies showed a small reduction in the odds ratios for leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-haematological cancers, and all childhood cancers combined, associated with ever having been breastfed. It is unclear whether the apparent small reduction in the odds ratio for these various types of childhood cancer is a generalized effect of breastfeeding or whether it reflects some systematic bias in the majority of studies that have investigated the question. (c) 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
27. Formula fed babies are more at risk of obesity in later life.

Climate change: Breastfeeding tackles both obesity and climate change.
BMJ. 2008 Jun 28;336(7659):1454. No abstract available
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18583658?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

28. Breastfeeding can help combat climate change!

Climate change: Breastfeeding tackles both obesity and climate change.
BMJ. 2008 Jun 28;336(7659):1454. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18583658?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

29. Cows milk is an intestinal irritant.

It should not be given to infants under one year according to many experts including Dr William Sears.
30. Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) stress while feeding.

This is particularly important when feeding a sick baby. Bottle fed babies are at increased risk of cardiopulmonary disturbances, including prolonged airway closure and obstructed respiration due to repeated swallowing. One study reported oxygen saturation levels of the infants’ blood at 90% of normal while feeding. In the same study, 20% of infants’ heart rates slowed substantially.

Coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing and oxygen saturation during early infant breast-feeding and bottle-feeding.
Pediatr Res. 2006 Oct;60(4):450-5. Epub 2006 Aug 28
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16940236?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Coordination of breathing, sucking, and swallowing during bottle feedings in human infants.
J Appl Physiol. 1990 Nov;69(5):1623-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2272953?ordinalpos=14&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

31. Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness.

Responses to immunisation with Hib conjugate vaccine in Australian breastfed and formula-fed infants, as well as other vaccinations. Plus it’s a great soother!

J Paediatr Child Health. 2007 Sep;43(9):597-600.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17688643?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

32. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)

Clinical predictors of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
Nurs Res. 2008 Jul-Aug;57(4):260-70.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18641495?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

The cost-effectiveness of using banked donor milk in the neonatal intensive care unit: prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.
J Hum Lact. 2002 May;18(2):172-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12033080?ordinalpos=22&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Breast milk and neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.
Lancet. 1990 Dec 22-29;336(8730):1519-23.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1979363?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

33. Breastfed babies require less doctor visits

Breastfed babies are statistically healthier, so they see doctors less often!
34. Breast milk is a natural tranquiliser!

Human milk calms fussy babies, and induces sleep like nothing else! Breast fed babies have a postprandial (just fed) look on their faces like they’ve reached nirvana! The sense of satisfaction from knowing that you are the reason for such contentment is soooooo fulufilling ?.

The circadian rhythm of tryptophan in breast milk affects the rhythms of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and sleep in newborn.
Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Dec;26(6):657-61.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16380706?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

35. Breastfeeding is a great calmer and pain reliever.

Human milk contains endorphins which soothe and calm babies during stressful times. A magic tool for vaccinations, injuries, head knocks, holding on cold packs, illnesses…. The list goes on… some babies will even tolerate minor surgery while breastfeeding (we’ve seen it done without a tear!)
36. Breastmilk tastes better than formula.

Breast milk is sweet and light. Formula bland and pasty. Which would you choose? Taste them if you don’t believe us!!
37. Breast milk is at the right temperature, always…

No heating, no hassle when traveling to find heater, no burns from too-hot bottles.
38. Breast fed babies are more likely to be alive at their 3rd birthday

Breast fed babies are less likely to develop life-threatening diseases, and are better able to combat most illnesses that do develop.

The relationship between breast-feeding and early childhood morbidity in a general population.
Fam Med. 1991 Sep-Oct;23(7):510-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1936731?ordinalpos=11&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
http://members.ao.com/diamichels/greenbm.htm

39. Breastfed babies have lower blood pressure

The effect of breastfeeding on cardiorespiratory risk factors in adult life.
Pediatrics. 2007 May;119(5):e1107-15.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17473082?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

40. Breastfeeding keeps cholesterol lower in later life.

Later effects of breastfeeding practice: the evidence.
Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program. 2007;60:31-9; discussion 39-42. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17664895?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

41. Breastmilk is fresh!

It's made on demand which helps! Even pumped milk stays fresher longer.

www.medela.com

42. Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant.

When a formula fed baby gets a gastrointestinal ailment they are often put on an electrolyte solution as formula is hard to digest. Breast milk on the other hand is perfect.
43. Breastfed babies take less time to settle when they wake at night.

Plus no lights and no going to kitchen or heating up required. And who doesn’t like a snuggle to get them back to sleep?
44. Breastfed babies have less tooth decay.

Breastmilk has bacteria-zapping cells that help prevent tooth decay. Bottle fed babies are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay when they are put to bed with a bottle of milk/ juice.

Cariogenic potential of cows', human and infant formula milks and effect of fluoride supplementation.
Br J Nutr. 2008 Jun 25:1-7. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18577299?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

45. Less money spent at the orthodontist!

The longer a baby is breastfed, the more likely their teeth are to be straight.
Babies' mouths were not intended to accommodate artificial nipples.

Orthodontic aspects on feeding of young children. 1. A comparison between Swedish and Norwegian-Sami children.
Swed Dent J. 1998;22(3):117-21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9768459?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

46. Breastfed babies have better speech development.

“Early weaning (from breast) may lead to the interruption of proper oral motor development provoking alterations to the posture and strength of the speech organs and harming functions of chewing, swallowing, breathing and articulation of speech sounds. The lack of physiological sucking at the breast may interfere in the oral motor development , possibly causing malocclusion, oral respiration and oral motor disorders”.

Infant feeding and phonologic development.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1993 Dec;28(1):41-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8300313?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

47. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop eczema.

A number of studies have shown this –

Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old.
Lancet. 1995 Oct 21;346(8982):1065-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7564787?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

[Primary prevention of allergic disease]
Acta Med Port. 2007 May-Jun;20(3):215-9. Epub 2007 Jul 2. Review. Portuguese.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17868530?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

48. Breastfed babies have better skin!

Lots of studies have shown this, but I don’t think you need to check them out! Just have a look at any breastfed babies’ skin!
49. Breastfed babies small divine!

Again with the published research…. Do we really need it? Grab yourself a breastfed baby and smell their skin! That’s original organics at its best!
50. Breastfed babies have better smelling nappies!

Ok, so no major research done in this area (how would they get people to research this anyway!?), but it's true… Pure stuff in, pure stuff out so to speak!
51. Breastfed babies are less likely to wet the bed.

Children who were breastfed are less likely to bed-wet, possibly from their developmental edge.

Breastfeeding during infancy and bed-wetting during childhood.
Pediatrics. 2006 Oct;118(4):1803-4. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17015584?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

52. Your breasts heat your baby up like no blanket could.

Your breasts can detect a one degree drop in your baby’s temperature and warm up accordingly! How amazing is that!?

Immediate maternal thermal response to skin-to-skin care of newborn.
Acta Paediatr. 2007 May;96(5):655-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17462058?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

53. Breast milk is better for premature infants

The more breast milk premature babies receive, the more responsive they become.
Direct and indirect effects of breast milk on the neurobehavioral and cognitive development of premature infants.
Infants receiving substantial amounts of breast milk showed better neurobehavioral profiles-in particular, motor maturity and range of state. These infants also were more alert during social interactions, and their mothers provided more affectionate touch. Higher maternal depression scores were associated with lower quantities of breast milk, longer latencies to the first breast-milk feeding, reduced maternal affectionate touch, and lower infant cognitive skills.

Dev Psychobiol. 2003 Sep;43(2):109-19.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12918090?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

54. Not breastfeeding has been associated with Multiple Sclerosis in later life.

Breast feeding and multiple sclerosis.
BMJ. 1994 May 28;308(6941):1411-2. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8019251?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

55. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing an inguinal (groin) hernia.

Breast-feeding and inguinal hernia.
J Pediatr. 1995 Jul;127(1):109-11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7608794?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

56. Breastfeeding your baby means they will have less chance of developing a UTI(Urinary tract infection)

Protective effect of breastfeeding against urinary tract infection.
Acta Paediatr. 2004 Feb;93(2):164-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15046267?ordinalpos=13&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

57. Breastfed babies have better social development

The psychomotor and social development of breastfed babies clearly differs from that of bottlefed babies and leads at the age of 12 months to significant advantages of their psychomotor and social capabilities.

Influence of breast-feeding on the infant's intellectual development.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1994 Jan;18(1):32-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8126615?ordinalpos=15&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

58. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop osteoporosis in later life.

Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries.
Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2007 Apr;(153):1-186. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764214?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

59. Breastfed babies need to fast for less time pre and post surgery.

If you’ve ever tried to fast a baby for a procedure you’ll know the shorter time the better!
60. Attachment parenting and breastfeeding means less sickness for low birthweight infants.

Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(2):CD002771. Review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12804436?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

61. Breastfeeding optimises hand-eye coordination

Influence of breast-feeding on the infant's intellectual development.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1994 Jan;18(1):32-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8126615?ordinalpos=15&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

62. Breastfeeding protects your newborn against cold sores.

Neutralizing activity against herpes simplex in maternal milk]
Arch Fr Pediatr. 1989 Apr;46(4):263-5. French.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2546513?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

63. Breast fed babies are 20 times less likely to develop Necrotising enterolcolitis

Breast milk and neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.
Lancet. 1990 Dec 22-29;336(8730):1519-23.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1979363?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

64. Breast milk will help treat or cure many a “sticky” eye.

We’ve tried this one! It works.

In vitro activity of human milk against the causative organisms of ophthalmia neonatorum in Benin City, Nigeria.
J Trop Pediatr. 1996 Dec;42(6):327-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9009556?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

65. Breastfed babies make great eaters as toddlers.

It figures that babies exposed to a wide variety of flavours in breast milk will have a much wider palate once weaned. Formula tastes the same. Always. Every day. Every meal!

Prenatal and postnatal flavor learning by human infants.
Pediatrics. 2001 Jun;107(6):E88.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11389286?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

66. Breastfeeding increases organ acceptance in case of organ transplant.

Children who were breastfed and received kidneys from their mothers or siblings are less likely to reject the transplanted organ.

Influence of breast feeding on subsequent reactivity to a related renal allograft.
J Surg Res. 1984 Aug;37(2):89-93.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6379295?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

67. Formula feeding is associated with a lower IQ.

Human breast milk enhances breain development and improves cognitive development in a way that formula cannot. Breastfed babies have been found to have average I.Qs 10 points higher than their bottle fed counterparts.

Effect of breast feeding on intelligence in children: prospective study, sibling pairs analysis, and meta-analysis.
BMJ. 2006 Nov 4;333(7575):945. Epub 2006 Oct 4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17020911?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum


The Breast Way for you, mum!
68. Breastfeeding duration and postpartum psychological adjustment: role of maternal attachment styles.

J Paediatr Child Health. 2008 Jun;44(6):369-73.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18476931?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

69. Breastfeeding reduces your risk of developing breast cancer.

The incidence of breast cancer in developed countries could be reduced by more than half if women had the number of births and lifetime duration of breastfeeding that have been common in developing countries. A study of Chinese women found that their breast cancer incidence dropped by 63% when they breastfed for six years. Though that tends to be longer than most choose to do so, your reduced risk can be determined by the cumulative amount of time you've spent breastfeeding over the course of your life. For example, if you had three babies and nursed each for six months, your cumulative breastfeeding time of one and a half years would serve to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer and breastfeeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50302 women with breast cancer and 96973 women without the disease.
Lancet. 2002 Jul 20;360(9328):187-95 (link)

Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
N Engl J Med. 1994 Jan 13;330(2):81-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8266907?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.
Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_
DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=4&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/about_breast_cancer/prevention_and_early_detection/
risk_factors/established_risk_factors/breastfeeding.html

70. Breastfeeding your baby helps your uterus to shrink back to normal size after childbirth.

The uterus of non-breastfeeding women always remain larger than normal. Remember your uterus enlarged to x 20 times its normal size in pregnancy! So breastfeeding not only burns more calories (our next reason!), it actually shrinks your tummy!

http://www.emedicine.com/med/byname/normal-and-abnormal-puerperium.htm

71. Breastfeeding burns 600kcal per day!

That’s 30 laps of a pool or an hour cycling uphill!

saferchild.org/breastfeed.htm
breastfeed-essentials.com/breastmilkadvantages.html

72. Breastfeeding increases bonding between a mother and baby.

All babies need lots of love and cuddles. There is no more comfortable feeling for a baby than to be held and breastfed. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin (see “how it works”) in the mother’s body.

Starting the process of mother-infant bonding.
Acta Paediatr. 2005 Jun;94(6):812-3. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16188794?ordinalpos=13&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

73. Newborns have a focal distance within 8-10 inches, exactly the distance from your breast to your face.

Enough said?!
74. Your areola darkened so that your baby will find it more easily!

Newborns see contrasts more easily, so this is nature’s way of helping out!
75. Breastfeeding mums sleep more.

Sorry bottle feeding mums, this one’s also true! Despite all the “ Maybe a bottle will help the sleep” myth…One study last year showed that breastfeeding mums slept 45mins a night more than those who were formula feeding, and reported feeling less tired.

Breast-feeding increases sleep duration of new parents.
J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2007 Jul-Sep;21(3):200-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17700096?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

76. Breastfeeding has a calming effect on you.

The released hormone oxytocin causes calmness, even sleep. Ask any breastfeeding mum what they want to do when they get home from work! Switch off… and feed their baby!

Breast feeding and resilience against psychosocial stress.
Arch Dis Child. 2006 Dec;91(12):990-4. Epub 2006 Aug 3.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16887859?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

77. Breastfeeding mums suffer less from postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding duration and postpartum psychological adjustment: role of maternal attachment styles. This study has shown an association between higher EPDS scores and breastfeeding cessation by 4 months after delivery.
J Paediatr Child Health. 2008 Jun;44(6):369-73.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18476931?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

78. Breastfeeding mums lose weight a lot quicker, and more than formula feeding mums.

Hands up if you don’t like this reason! In one study, mums who breastfed exclusively had significantly larger reductions in hip circumference and were less above their pre-pregnancy weights at 1 month post partum than mums who formula fed.

The effect of weight loss in overweight, lactating women on the growth of their infants.
N Engl J Med. 2000 Feb 17;342(7):449-53.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10675424?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

79. Breastfeeding helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers.

Insulin requirements of diabetic women who breast feed.
BMJ. 1989 May 20;298(6684):1357-8. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2502253?ordinalpos=11&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Insulin requirements during breast feeding.
BMJ. 1989 Jun 17;298(6688):1643-4. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2503163?ordinalpos=10&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

80. Breastfeeding may help to stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis.

Some women have even claimed a cure. Pregnancy often halts the disease, and so relief with breastfeeding follows…
81. Breastfeeding helps prevent post partum haemorrhage in mums.

It’s the oxytocin again! The contractions in the uterus that these cause shut down the blood vessels and help to prevent excessive bleeding

Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity.
Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1994 Sep;101(9):804-5. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7947531?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

82. Breastfeeding decreases your risk of developing endometrial cancer.

A WHO study has shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds (cumulative years), the less likely she is to develop endometrial cancer.

Prolonged lactation and endometrial cancer. WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives.
Int J Epidemiol. 1995 Jun;24(3):499-503.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7672888?ordinalpos=10&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

83. Breastfeeding decreases your chance of developing Rheumatoid arthritis.

Breastfed babies are 40% less likely to develop Juvenile RA or adult RA

Breast-feeding, but not oral contraceptives, is associated with a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ann Rheum Dis. 2008 May 14. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18477739?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

84. Breastfeeding reduces your risk of developing ovarian cancer by one third.

Breastfeeding for a cumulative time of 12-24 months reduces your risk of developing ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding and risk of ovarian cancer in two prospective cohorts.
Cancer Causes Control. 2007 Jun;18(5):517-23. Epub 2007 Apr 21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17450440?ordinalpos=13&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

85. Breastfeeding decreases your chance of developing osteoporosis.

Breast feeding: health benefits for child and mother.]
Arch Pediatr. 2005 Dec;12S3:S145-S165. Epub 2005 Nov 21. French
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16300936?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

86. Breastfeeding mums have less sick days!

Since their kids are statistically healthier, they spend less time at home from work to look after sick kids!


The Breast Way for the world!
87. Breastfeeding contributes to family planning

Many breastfeeding mums don’t ovulate for the 1st 6 months after a baby; this is particularly true if their periods have not returned. Night feeding encourages amennorhoea (no periods).
However!.... DON’T rely on it as birth control… please!!

Contraceptive efficacy of lactational amenorrhoea.
Lancet. 1992 Jan 25;339(8787):227-30.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1346183?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

88. Less tampons, pads etc etc!

Plus who is in a rush to have a period back? Not us!! …
89. Breastfeeding is LOTS easier than using formula.

No formula, no choosing, no packaging, no teats, no sterilizing, no shopping for these, no mixing, no heating, no re-fridgeration, no cleaning up…. And no getting out of bed if you co-sleep! We’re not for a second denying that there’s a learning period at the start!!
90. Breast milk is FREE!

No –one escapes the “credit crunch”, right! What better time to breastfeed your new baby! (plus we actively encourage spending the money you save on nice things for you and your little beauty if you have cash to spare!)
91. Formula is expensive.
92. Breastmilk has no packaging

If every mother in the UK breastfed, 3000 tons of paper (formula labels) would be saved in a year! Bottles and teats require plastic, glass, rubber, silicone. These often have end products that are not recyclable and use natural resources that are not sustainable.
93. Formula feeding costs the state money – in millions

Factor in that these babies are more likely to be sick and hospitalized….
94. Breastfeeding families are less likely to have domestic abuse or violence.

Family violence and breast-feeding.
Arch Fam Med. 1995 Jul;4(7):650-2. No abstract available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7606304?ordinalpos=37&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

95. No bottles to cart around!
96. Less equipment to buy and store.

All those gadgets for sterilizing, measuring, heating all take up your valuable counter space.
97. Breastfeeding means more sleep for Dads too!

Breastfed babies even need less burping! And we’re all keen on even a minute more sleep!
98. No choosing which brand is better and having to switch when it doesn’t suit and causes tummy upsets…
99. Breastmilk never has to be taken off the shelves due to “manufacturing problems”, and it’s never out of stock when you shop…
100. Breastmilk is never contaminated,

In fact it is antibacterial in nature
101. Breastmilk has no genetically engineered materials.

Most people are completely unaware of how much genetically engineered food they consume… including some formulas..
102. Breastmilk is 100% organic guaranteed!

Formula is not, neither are the cows that supply the milk for formula.
103. Breastfeeding is a great confidence booster!

Your boobs can sustain a human life… on you alone. What an amazing achievement! Now surely that’s truly something…
104. Breastmilk has a zero carbon footprint!