maialancholy

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Written by maialancholy | | One Comment
October 1st, 2007

Noel and I attended the Breastfeeding Basics seminar last August 25 at the Medical City. It is co-sponsored by Latch Inc, a group of breastfeeding counselors helping Moms like me increase awareness about breastffeeding. It was a whole day affair, with the breastfeeding seminar in the morning, and a parenting seminar in the afternoon.

The seminar helped us decide to go ahead and give breastfeeding a chance. Not only can we save on formula milk, we can also enjoy a range of benefits, both for me and our baby. It’s just a matter of being firm in your decision to breastfeed and the support from family and friends. With a society where there is little information about breastfeeding, this seminar was a welcome treat to soon-to-be new parents like us.

Here are some benefits for the baby if they are breastfed, according to the Center for Patient Education over at the Medical City:

1. Fewer ear infections
2. Lower risk of asthma, eczema, and food allergies
3. Protection against meningitis, diarrhea, UTI, and pneumonia
4. Decreases risk of Diabetes
5. Enhances brain development and increases IQ
6. Reduces risks of SIDS
7. Promotes psychological and emotional reassurance leading to happier and less fussy babies

Of course mothers also get loads of benefits. Not only are they confident and relaxed during breastfeeding sessions, they also feel more peaceful. More practical benefits include:

1. Lose weight faster
2. More savings on formula milk
3. Increased convenience
4. Travel easier

These are just some of the benefits we’ve discovered. Our mouths were wide open after, with all these information. I know these are all available online, but hearing it with our own ears created greater impact for us.

The Breastfeeding Basics is (or would be) a regular staple over at the Medical City. Call the Center for Patient Education and look for Gino or Shirly at Ext 6444. The Medical City’s trunklines are 6356789 and 6349493.