Breastfeeding Basics
When it comes to nutrition for your baby, you can’ t beat human breast milk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months provides the best nutrition for newborns. Breast milk benefits babies by:
• Promoting emotional and physical well-being
• Providing all of the nutrients and immunities a baby needs
• Providing a natural source of nourishment that’ s easy to digest
• Supporting heart health
• Lowering rates of obesity, lung infections, disease and asthma
Mothers benefit from breastfeeding, too. It reduces stress levels and lowers risk of ovarian and breast cancers, postpartum depression and type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding mothers also experience less bleeding and increased weight loss. Most importantly, nursing strengthens the bond between mother and baby.
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