In fact the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast feeding a baby for the first year. Studies have found that babies who are breast fed have fewer health problems, Tomasini says. In fact, babies who are bottle fed have been known to have more doctor visits, hospitalizations and prescriptions for ear infections, diarrhea, and lower respiratory infections. Other benefits for the baby include protecting the immune system, which can extend into childhood by reducing the child's risk for Type 1 diabetes and some childhood cancers, lowering the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and reducing the risk to food allergies.
Mothers also gain from breast feeding.
The advantages include losing weight more easily, returning the uterus to its normal size more quickly, and creating an emotional attachment to the baby due to the release of additional hormones that promote nurturing behavior and calmness. This site is maintained by CHW Bay Area. All rights reserved.