HOW SHOULD I FEED MY BABY
Benefits of breastfeeding include :
• Breast milk contains antibodies that prevent infections until the baby ’ s own immune system is more mature .
• Breast milk helps protect your baby from allergies , asthma , SIDS , childhood cancers , diabetes , and obesity .
• Breast milk is well-tolerated by infants . The proteins and fats are easily digested .
• Breastfeeding consumes approximately 500 calories per day , which helps burn fat stores accumulated during pregnancy .
• Breast milk is free and available anytime .
• Breastfeeding promotes mother-infant bonding and often has a calming effect on your infant .
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer , ovarian cancer , and osteoporosis .
• Breastfeeding decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease .
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract and decreases blood loss after delivery .
58 My Prenatal Care Book