We all want to do what’s best for our new baby and to give him the best start we can. As far as your baby’s health is concerned, breast feeding is the number one thing you can do to protect him from sickness and build a healthy immune system. Of course, one of the main benefits of breast feeding is that it’s free!

Along with saving you money on formula, breast feeding can also help you to keep your medical bills down. Babies that are formula fed get sick more often and more seriously than babies that are breast fed. They also have more ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrhea and other common health problems. Breast fed children have a higher IQ than bottle fed ones (Lancet 1992;339:261-62) and also cognitive and social development improved slightly.

If there is a history of allergies in your family, breast feeding is even more important. Breast milk contains antibodies which are transferred your baby during feeding. These antibodies protect your baby from allergies, food sensitivities and other illnesses until his immune system is mature enough to make his own antibodies.

Unlike formula, breast milk is always ready, always available, convenient, and always the right temperature for feeding. Plus, it contains all of the nutrients such as vitamins and minerals your growing baby needs. This will save you money from buying extra supplements. There is also a saving in time too. Formula feeding involves washing and sterilizing bottles and daily mixing of formula.

Not all the benefits of breast feeding are for baby either. Moms can benefit from the fact that breast feeding burns more calories than bottle feeding and that will help her lose weight – always a great benefit! At the same time she can create a special bond with her baby which is not always possible with formula feeding. The sucking action of the baby also causes contractions of the uterus, helping it to return to normal a lot faster.

Of course you will have to watch what you eat while breast feeding, however the list of foods you won’t be able to eat is quite small and poses a minor inconvenience. You should also ensure you are eating healthy food and including all the major food groups in your diet.

If you’re a mom who’s unable to breast feed for one reason or another, this article is not intended to make you feel inferior in any way. Bottle feeding is still a great option and there have been some considerable improvements to the formulas available today with added nutrients such as probiotics and omega 3. However if you can breast feed, please consider doing so for at least six months, as there so many benefits of breast feeding for both you and your baby!

By: Wendy Owen

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