The Benefits of Breastfeeding
A mother breastfeeding her baby.
PDF-2012

Keywords

FY1269

How to Cite

Rowe, Cassie C., Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell. 2012. “The Benefits of Breastfeeding: FCS8994/FY1269, 3/2012”. EDIS 2012 (2). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fy1269-2012.

Abstract

Experts agree that breast milk is the best food for babies for the first six months of life. It is a healthy choice that offers many benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrients and antibodies, and breastfeeding helps to create a strong bond between mother and child. For the mother, it may help to lose weight gained during pregnancy and reduce the chances of developing common diseases like diabetes and breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is also economical, convenient, and natural. This 5-page fact sheet informs new mothers about why breastfeeding is a great choice. Written by Cassie C. Rowe, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fy1269-2012
PDF-2012

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement: Breast-feeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics. 2005; 115: 496-506. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2004-2491

American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Promoting and Supporting Breast-feeding. JADA. 2009; 109: 1926-1942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.09.018

Bener A, Hoffmann GF, Afify Z, Rasul K, Tewfik I. Does prolonged breastfeeding reduce the risk for childhood leukemia and lymphomas? Minerva Pediatr. 2008; 60: 155-161.

Vennemann MM, Bajanowski T, BrinkmannB, Jorch G, Yücesan, Sauerlan C, Mitchell EA, the GeSID Study Group. Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome? Pediatrics. 2009; 123: e406-e410. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-2145

Zheng T, Holford TR, Mayne ST, Owens PH, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Boyle P, Zahm SH. Lactation and breast cancer risk: A case control study in Connecticut. Br J Cancer. 2001; 84: 1472-1476. https://doi.org/10.1054/bjoc.2001.1793

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