Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of S I D S?
CONCLUSIONS. This study shows that breastfeeding reduced the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 50% at all ages throughout infancy. We recommend including the advice to breastfeed through 6 months of age in sudden infant death syndrome risk-reduction messages.
Source: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/3/e406?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT
=&fulltext=SIDS&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=123&issue=3&resourcetype=HWCIT
Doctors Note:
One thing that I find when speaking with mothers who choose not to breastfeed is their lack of understanding the importance of breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the convenience of formula enormously. One of the best things you can do for your child is to breast feed. I will be listing the benefits of breastfeeding as well as reasons why you should avoid formula whenever possible.
First, I would like to mention that the size of a baby does not determine how healthy a baby is. Formula fed babies tend to be bigger due to the higher caloric content of formula along with the fact that breast milk is digested and utilized much more efficiently than is formula. Therefore, larger babies are not necessarily healthier than small babies. On the other hand, having a small baby does not necessarily mean they are healthy either. Underweight babies may be under a lot of stress or may not be getting enough nutrition. With that said, I would avoid using infant weight charts as a guide to determine whether your infant is healthy or not. Comparing the weight of breastfed, partially breastfed and formula fed babies is misleading. Also know that the healthier a mother’s diet is, the healthier her milk will be.
The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Baby:
Shown to reduce the risk of SIDS
Promotes a healthier immune system.
Promotes brain health= Babies tend to be smarter and more aware
Immunity against bacterial and viral infection if mothers has had it
Helps heal contusions and ear infections
Helps prevent ear infections
Helps prevent type one and type 2 diabetes
Helps prevent asthma, allergies and respiratory infection
Helps prevent heart disease
Promotes bonding for mother and baby
More Convenient
Less Expensive (FREE!!)
The benefits to Breastfeeding for mothers:
Decrease chances if breast cancer
Sucking helps decrease mothers uterus after having a baby
Lose weight quicker
Decrease chances of getting osteoporosis
The list goes on and on. Another factor that contributes to SIDS is Vaccinations. I would highly recommend reading into this topic.