Breastfeeding/Benefits of Breastfeeding

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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