How long do you breast feed your baby? Will it make your boobs hang down? Will it limit sex if your breasts leak during foreplay? Will it mean that mom and dad can never go out on a date without bringing baby along? Will my husband still think I am sexy when he sees me breastfeeding? What happens when I go back to work? FAQ’s About Breastfeeding All of these valid questions have come from parenting classes that I have held with parents just like you. Both moms and dads have concerns and questions about why to breastfeed their infant. I recognize that quandary; you want what is best for your baby, but you would still like to have a personal life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least twelve months. Too many families fall short of that goal and by five or six months only 30 percent of babies are still being breastfed. The greatest reason more families don’t continue breastfeeding for at least a year is lack of support. Many moms give up because they don’t know anyone who has breastfed a baby, or the don’t have friends, family , doctor or partner who encourages them to continue. Perhaps reading the following benefits will help. Benefits for Breastfeeding Baby 1. It enhances the immune system 2. Reduces the risk of gastroenteritis, lower respiratory tract infections and asthma 3. Protects against allergies and food intolerances 4. Decreases colic and calms the baby more quickly 5. Promotes correct jaw and tooth alignment 6. Babies who breastfeed test out with a higher IQ and enhanced school performance through adolescence 7. There is a marked decrease in the development of several auto-immune diseases 8. Breastfeeding for at least six months reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and childhood leukemia 9. Has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) 10. Increases infant and mother bonding 11. Breast milk protects babies from some of the effects of pollution Benefits For Mom & Family 1. Breastfeeding decreases the risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer 2. By feeding your baby breast milk, you will increase your calorie expenditure, which may lead to a quicker return to pre-baby weight 3. Faster shrinking of the uterus 4. Breastfeeding will significantly reduce postpartum bleeding and delay the return of the menstrual cycle 5. Decrease the risk of postpartum depression 6. Enhance self-esteem in the maternal role 7. Decrease time and money 8. Lower health care costs ($150 billion increase in medical costs each year in US for formula fed infants) 9. Is so much handier and energy efficient 10. Infant formula costs $7 each day or $2,555 for a year. This money can be spent on furniture, clothing, vacations, school or other wants of the family. 11. Breastfed babies waste products and dirty diapers don’t smell bad. It is not until food is introduced that the aroma becomes strong. 12. Increases infant and mother bonding and attachment. This attachment will enhance or hinder relationships all the rest of the child’s life. 13. It is a wonderful excuse to sit down, put your feet up and just enjoy your baby. If you are expecting a baby, please consider breastfeeding as one of the most important steps you will take as you begin the fun process of Raising Smart & Kind Kids. Be sure to sign up for the free eBook on Using Encouraging Words at http://www.AskAuntieArtichoke.com You will be so glad you did. We are grateful for your part in the community of kind, thoughtful people who want respect for all. If your organization would like to hire Judy Helm Wright aka Auntie Artichoke as a keynote speaker, please go to http://www.judyhwright.com
