Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

Breastfeeding is a way to nourish your baby with breast milk from your own body, breast milk is produced in mammary glands, and from there it travels through milk ducts to opening in your nipples. 

When your baby suckles at your breast, your body secretes hormones called prolactin, oxytocin. Prolactin controls milk production and oxytocin controls the release or let down of milk through milk ducts. 

That's one reason the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial). 

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby:
- Optimal balance of nutrients
- Antibodies support your baby’s immune system
- Reduce risk of asthma, allergies, colic, obesity, diarrhoea, and certain ear 
- Easily digested nutrients
- Reduces risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom:
- Convenient, inexpensive nourishment for baby
- Lose excess body weight
- Helps your uterus contract after delivery
- Increases bond with baby