What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?
Breast milk provides the ideal amounts of protein, sugar, fat and most vitamins a baby needs for healthy growth and development. Breast milk also contains substances called antibodies that help protect a baby from many illnesses. Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely than formula-fed babies to have ear infections, lower-respiratory infections (such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis), meningitis, urinary tract infections and diarrhea (1). Studies also suggest that breastfed babies may be less likely than formula-fed babies to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (1). Breast milk is easy for a baby to digest, so the baby may have less gas and discomfort than a formula-fed baby. The health benefits of breastfeeding can last a lifetime. Studies suggest that children and adults who are breastfed are less likely to develop asthma, diabetes and certain cancers (leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease) (1). Babies who are breastfed may be less likely to become obese later in
