• Breast milk is easily digested and provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies for babies to develop and be healthy.

• Breast-fed infants have lower rates of hospital admissions and medical problems including ear infections, diarrhea and allergies.

• Mothers who breastfeed show decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

• Nursing helps the uterus contract back to normal size and also uses extra calories, helping mothers to return to a healthy weight.

• Psychologists believe babies who are breast-fed feel security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there's skin-to-skin contact during feeding.

• Breastfeeding saves money as breast milk is free and breastfeeding results in lower health care costs.

For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, please visit the following sites or contact your local lactation consultant:
Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
World Health Organization www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/
American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org/breastfeeding
US Department of Health & Human Services www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding