Breastfeeding 101    
 A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Nursing Your Baby (2nd Edition)
Sue Tiller, RN, IBCLC 
The perfect baby shower gift, especially for YOUR baby!

 Shows you HOW to breastfeed your baby, and HOW to resolve common hurdles.       

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Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby. Below is a list of some of the benefits you and your baby will enjoy when you choose to breastfeed.

bulletYour milk is the perfect nutrition for your baby. It changes in nutrients as your baby grows.1
 
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Breastmilk transfers antibodies from you to your baby to reduce illness and helps develop your baby’s immune system.2
 
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Breastfeeding decreases the chances of ear infections by 3 to 4 times that of a formula-fed baby.3
 
bulletBreastfeeding decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).4
 
bulletBreastfed babies suffer less reflux (spit-up) than formula-fed babies.5
 
bulletBreastmilk decreases the chance of your baby developing asthma when she is older.6
 
bulletYou will lose pregnancy weight more quickly.
Making breastmilk uses 940 calories per liter.7
 
bulletYour uterus will return to its pre-pregnancy position more quickly. The hormone oxytocin is released as your baby suckles. This hormone releases the milk your breasts have produced. It also contracts your uterus to return it to its pre-pregnancy state.8
 
bulletBreastfeeding reduces the risk of certain types of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. The longer you breastfeed, the more the risk is reduced.9
 
bulletBreastfeeding decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis for you and your baby.10
 
bulletBreastfeeding is more convenient than formula feeding. There is no need to prepare, heat, or clean bottles. It is always available at the right temperature.
 
bulletBreastfeeding is free.
 

 
Endnotes

1 Pediatrics, Vol. 100, No. 6, December 1995, pp. 1035–1039,
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Breastfeeding and the
Use of Human Milk.”

2 Koutras, A. K., “Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Breast
Milk vs.. Formula Feeding in Early Infancy.” Journal of
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1989.

3 Duncan, B.; Ey, J.; Holberg, C. J.; Wright, A. L.; Martinez, F.D., Taussig, L. M. “Exclusive breast-feeding for at least 4
months protects against otitis media.” Pediatrics. 1993;
91:86-872. Saarinen, U. M. “Recurrent otitis media in breastfed infants.” ACTA Paediatrica Scandinavica, 1982; 71:567

4 Mitchell, E. A; Taylor, B. J.: Ford, R. P. K., et al. “Four
modifiable and other major risk factors for cot death: the
New Zealand study.” Journal of Paediatrics and Child
Health, 1992; 28 (supplement 1):S3–8.
Ford, R. P.; Taylor, B. J.; Mitchell, E. A.; Enright, S. A.;
Stewart, A. W.; Becroft, D. M. Scragg, R.; Hassall, I. B.;
Barry D. M.; and Allen, E. M., Community Paediatric Unit,
Christchurch, New Zealand. “Breastfeeding and the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome.” International Journal of
Epidemiology, Vol. 22, 885–890, 1993. International Epidemiological Association.

5 Heacock, H. J.; Jeffrey, H. E.; Baker, J.; Page, M. “The influences of breast versus formula feeding on gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy newborn infants. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 14; 41–46.

6 Wright; A. L.; Holberg, C. J.; Taussig, L. M.; Martinez, F. D.
“Relationship of infant feeding to recurrent wheezing at age
6 years.” Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,
July 1995; 149: 758–763

7 Kramer, F. et al. “Breastfeeding reduces material lower-body fat.” Journal of American Dietetic Association, 93: 429–33, 1993.

8 Chua, S.; Arulkumaran, S.; Lim, I., et al. “Influence of
breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine
activity. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
1994; 101: 804–805

9 Zheng, T.; Duan, L.; Liu, Y.; et al. “Lactation reduces breast cancer risk in Shandong Province, China.” American Journal of Epidemiology. 2000; 152: 1129–1135
Rosenblatt, K. A. and Thomas, D. B. “Lactation and the risk
of epithelial ovarian cancer.” The WHO Collaborative Study
of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives, International Journal
of Epidemiology, Vol. 22, 192–197

10 Kalwart, H. J., and Specker, B. L. “Bone mineral loss during
lactation and recovery after weaning.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1995; 86:26–32 Melton, L. J. III; Bryant, S. C.; Wahner, H. W.; O’Fallon, W. M.; Malkasian, G. D.; Judd, H. L.; Riggs, B. L. “Influence of breastfeeding and other reproductive factors on bone mass later in life.” Osteoporosis International, 1993, March; 3 (2): 76–32