But while mothers have known instinctively for centuries that mother s milk is best, many may not realize how much of a difference it makes. Baby s Health Breastfed babies are indeed healthier than formula-fed babies. Exclusively breastfeeding in the early months also pays off later with reduced incidents of Crohn s disease, childhood leukemia, allergies, cholesterol problems, and breast cancer as adults. The jaw and teeth develop well due to the muscles involved in milking the breast. Dermatologists can determine from the condition of the skin whether or not a baby s been breastfed.
Eye development improves because of the necessity to switch sides when nursing.
Convenience Breastfeeding is simpler and easier. Breastmilk is always ready no measuring, mixing, or sterilizing and always at the right temperature for the baby. Breastfeeding also empowers the mother. She knows she is important to her baby, that she s doing the best for her baby, and the mothering hormone, prolactin, helps her to listen to and understand her baby s cues. Breastfeeding also protects mothers from ovarian cancer, urinary tract infections, and may even help prevent osteoporosis.