Breast milk and infant
formula are different. Not only does breast milk provide all the protein, sugar, fat, and vitamins your baby needs to be healthy,
but it has special benefits that formulas cannot match. Breast milk is full of white blood cells, antibodies, and ingredients
that kill bacteria and viruses. Because of this breastfed children are less likely to have:
Ear infections (otitis media)
Allergies
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Other reasons why human milk is good for your child include the following:
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It is easier for babies to digest. .
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It costs nothing to make and is always in supply.
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It is even good for the environment since there are no bottles, cans, and boxes
to put in the garbage.
There are also health benefits for you because breastfeeding:
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Burns more calories and helps you get back to your prepregnancy weight more quickly.
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Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and, in premenopausal women, breast cancer.
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Builds bone strength to protect against bone fractures in older age.
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Delays the return of your menstrual period, which may help extend the time between
pregnancies. (Keep in mind that breastfeeding alone will not prevent pregnancy.)
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