Why You Should Breastfeed for at least 6 months

Why you should breastfeed is a question that is not asked enough in my opinion. But, breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of your babies life can help reduce the risk of stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis. Those illnesses occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no solid food, formula, or water) for at least six months seems to offer the most protection.

I breastfeed my first son for the first 13 months of his life. I chose to breastfed him because he was a month early and was in the NICU for 10 days which was really scary for my husband and I. We were told that if I breastfed him, it would help him become really strong and improve each day and be able to come home way sooner. And in my opinion it worked. Not to mention, my son hardly caught a cold in the winter months, and I can tell such a big difference in him being breastfeed and so can many other people that knows he was breastfed. I feel that more moms should breastfed if they are able to because he helps your baby immune system that much more fighting and resisting certain illnesses.
Why You Should Breastfeed; Reduces SIDS

SIDS is sudden infant death which is so scary. Why you should breastfeed your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS is a huge benefit within its self. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and 1 year than children who weren't breastfed, with longer breastfeeding associated with lower risk.

This was a huge reason too that I was so glad I breastfed. I was so afraid of SIDS when I was a first time mom, even being a second time mom. I had a young co worker who had a precious baby pass away of SIDS and it was heartbreaking. I would watch my son sleep all the time and make sure he was breathing. I was a very paranoid first time mom, but breastfeeding did give me a little peace because I knew it would help lessen the risk for my premature baby.
Why You Should Breastfeed; Allergies

Babies who are fed a formula base tend to have more allergic reactions than breastfed babies. Immune factors such as secretory IgA (only available in breast milk) help prevent allergic reactions to food by providing a layer of protection to a baby's intestinal tract.

I am an advocate for breastfeeding, and I believe if more moms did it more if they were able, we would have less children getting sick, therefore needing to go to the doctor as often. But again, that is my opinion. I only know what I have experienced with it myself. Now granted, not all women are able to do it for whatever reason, but if you can, you should consider it because it can also benefit the mom.

Why you Should Breastfeed; Obesity

Did you know that it can also reduce the risk of obesity? With today and age, we need all the precaution we can get with all the fast food eating that we tend to do. Breastfeeding for however long you can, can give your baby such a great head start in not possibly becoming obese which can lead to childhood sugar problems.

Like I said, I am all for breastfeeding. When it come to my children and doing whats best, I take myself out of the equation and do what I can to help them. Yes, breastfeeding can be time consuming and you get sore nipples at the beginning, but I felt that it was no longer about me, it was and is about my children and helping them thrive. So, I hope this helps you answer the question of why you should breastfeed.

What is your opinion or experience with breastfeeding?

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Mz. Pittman