Everyone knows that babies need lots of love and attention, and breastfeeding is a perfect, natural way to accomplish this!! There are many benefits that a baby receives from breastfeeding.

The act of breastfeeding uses the muscles in the face and jaw, which promotes proper facial, jaw and tooth development. (Saves money on orthodontia as a teenager!!)

Breastfeeding promotes proper weight gain in the baby. This helps to prevent obesity later in life. A breastfeed baby eats to satisfy hunger, and then stops. A formula fed baby is taught to eat in ounces, rather than to satisfy hunger, which causes the stomach to stretch and greatly increases the risk of obesity in childhood and adulthood.

Breast milk is tailored specifically to the baby. It is a unique combination of nutrients and antibodies that not only provide nutritionally for the baby, but also gives antibodies and protects against infections, viruses and allergies. Breastfed babies get sick less often than formula fed babies due the immunization properties that breast milk contains. Breast milk is not only different in each mother, it is different from feeding to feeding. It is custom made for what the baby needs at each feeding. It is a living substance that is perfectly made for baby.

Breastfed babies score on average 11 points higher on IQ tests than formula fed babies. Breast milk has over 200 nutrients in it, where as formula has about 40. The nutrients in breast milk are natural, not man made, and therefore easier for the baby to process.

One of La Leche League’s philosophies states “Breast milk is the superior infant food.” Breast milk has no artificial ingredients, fillers, preservatives. It will never be recalled. It is perfect nutrition.