Latch On! Breastfeeding has Benefits for Both

In America, we are raising the first generation that is expected to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. With the imploding health of our nation, it's time to get people thinking about what can be done to fix it, and breastfeeding is one thing that can make a big difference. In places like Belgium, The Netherlands and Finland, where more than half of all children are breastfed for multiple years, the life expectancy is still increasing. Thousands of antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic antibodies protect against things like E. coli, pneumonia, step throat, salmonella, influenza, rotavirus, rubella, West Nile virus, allergies, asthma, mumps, measles, diabetes, meningitis and many cancers. Nursing children get sick less often, and heal quicker.

Breastfeeding is a source of comfort, support and security. The accessible nature of their mother's attention due to the breastfeeding relationship, combined with the hormonal benefits of consistent physical contact translates to an independence and security that can stay with the child as it grows. Benefits to mother include emotional well-being due to the milk-making hormones, as well as less stress and less incidence of postpartum depression. The length of time a woman breastfeeds is linked to lowered risks of many cancers, diabetes and arthritis.

For women who plan to breastfeed, experiences and support during the first hours and days after birth influence their later ability to continue breastfeeding. Because nearly all U.S. births occur in hospitals, policies that determine hospital practices can influence the feeding behaviors of more than 11,000 infants born each. For women who intend to breastfeed, the hospital experience is critical. Mothers, you are responsible for your own hospital experience. Set out a plan yourself and deny visitors for the first 24 hours, allowing you and your baby to bond and start breastfeeding successfully. 

Source: http://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/