Breastfeeding/Benefits of Breastfeeding

Infant Nutrition

• 1. species specific An ideal balance of nutrients, efficiently absorbed
• 2. Higher levels of fatty acids, lactose, cystine, and cholesterol necessary for brain and nerve growth
• 3. Composition will vary depending on gestational needs
• 4. Long term benefits such as decreased risk for diabetes, cancer, obesity, asthma
• 5. Contains unsaturated fats
• 6. Infant determines volume of milk consumed

Maternal health

• 1. Faster return to pregnancy weight
• 2. Breastfeeding associated with lower risk of breast, ovarian cancer

Davidson, M London., Ladewig, P. (2008), Old's Maternal - Newborn Nursing & Women's Health Across the Lifespan. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson