Do you have a baby on the way? Are you a new mother? Have you heard that breastfeeding makes your baby smarter? Certain studies have indicated that breastfed babies eventually do better on cognitive tests and make higher grades in school than non-breastfed infants. However, the research supporting breastfeeding is even stronger regarding the following issues. Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of middle ear infections, a reduced risk of asthma, and a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Try to breastfeed for at least six months, and if possible, a full year. The longer your infant gets the nutritional value of your breast milk, the better.
It’s not just your little one that benefits. Nursing strengthens the bond between you and your infant, and you may find that it reduces your stress levels. Research has revealed that medical bills are less for breastfed babies compared to formula fed babies. Of course, everyone wants a healthier infant, and for a working mother, this means fewer sick days.
Critical brain development occurs during the first three years of life and nursing your infant gives your baby a wonderful start.