One of the most important decisions an expectant mother will make is whether to breast or formula feed her baby. Increasing research over the last few decades indicates that breastfeeding is the optimal way of nurturing an infant while simultaneously benefiting the lactating mother. The Healthiest Start Breast milk, with its over 100 nutrients, provides infants with an increased immunity against respiratory, ear and urinary tract infections. Breast milk improves vaccine effectiveness and decreases the occurrence of cavities while the process of nursing provides better mouth and jaw development. Proteins in breast milk promote brain and nervous system development which are positive factors in improving intelligence.
Moms also benefit from nursing.
The hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which make and release the milk, induce feelings of relaxation and well-being, helping moms form a loving bond with their baby. The hormones released as the infant sucks at the breast helps the uterus return more quickly to its normal size. Nursing-women lose weight without dieting, since 800 calories a day are utilized in the production of milk. The good health of the breastfed infant translates into time, energy and money saved due to fewer visits to the doctor. It also means that working moms miss fewer days from their job tending to a sick child.