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An angelic-looking redheaded mom looks down upon her nursing baby, below them the caption on the vintage ad reads. "Nurse the Baby- your protection against trouble"
It is just as true today as it was then. Here's why.

1.Breast-fed babies and toddlers are healthier.

Immunities in breast milk help develop the baby's immune system.

Breastfeeding also protects your baby against digestive problems such as:

-diarrheal infections
-Crohn's disease
-ulcerative colitis
-gastrointestinal reflux

Breast milk is more easily digestible than formula and
results in sweeter smelling stools -when exclusively nursing.

Additional health benefits for your baby include lower risks for:
-respiratory infections
-bacterial meningitis
-asthma
-cardiopulmon ary distress while feeding
-hemophilus b. virus
- juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- SIDS
- hodgkins disease
- uti's
-cancer
-MS in adulthood
-diabetes
-crooked teeth and dental caries

A significant statistic: breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday.

Nursing is supported over formula by these well known health care organizations:
-American Association of Family Practioners
-Association of Certified Nurse Midwives
-American Academy of Pediatrics
-World Health Organization
-The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
-UNICEF

2.Nursing saves money.
Nursing is free and there are less medical bills due to illness.

3. Mom benefits too.
Nursing lowers your health risks for:
breast cancer
ovarian cancer
uterine cancer
endometrial cancer
osteoporosis
Rheumetoid Arthritis

4. Nursing comforts mother and child
What better way to comfort a tired or crying baby after a vaccination or a long shopping trip? (where is the fitting room please?)
Maternal hormones calm busy moms.

5.Nursing raises Baby's IQ
A recent 2007 British study cites a correlation between higher IQ and breastfeeding.

What are dangers associated with formula feeding?
Contamination of water,formula or bottles can occur.Allergies to formula are common.
Most formula is based on cow's milk or soy. Milk and soy are very common allergens.

A disturbing finding from a study done by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for every 1000 babies born in the United States, 4 will die from formula feeding.

So,nurse the baby.
It is still your protection against trouble and your best choice.

I would like to see the United States adopt a more breastfeeding- friendly culture.
One that encourages and supports all mothers to nourish their babies in the most natural and healthful way possible.

Dr. Sears explains it so well.
"The time in your arms, at your breast, is a relatively short while in the life of a baby, yet the memories of love and availability last forever."

Sources:
FDA.gov
http:/ /bliss-breastfeeding.blogspot. com/
www.ACOG.org
www.Breastfeed ing.com
www.Parenting ivillage.com
Kellymom
Askdrsears .com
Drgreene.org

Learn more about this author, Sara Sota.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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