Did you recently have a baby or will soon give birth? There are many things to consider during this time, and one of those may include whether to breastfeed your child or not. Consider this, according to figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 62% of black babies born in 2010 started breastfeeding, compared to 79% of white babies. It’s important to be informed so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.
There are a number of things you should know about breastfeeding. According to Womens.Health.Gov, because your breastmilk is specifically created for your baby, it can help prevent ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, childhood obesity, and childhood leukemia. In addition, Breast milk can cut the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by more than 70 percent.
In addition, the longer you breastfeed, the lower your chances are of developing breast and ovarian cancer, along with diabetes. Breastfeeding also allows your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth more quickly and can help you lose weight.
Womens.Health.Gov list some myths to be aware of, when it comes to breastfeeding:
- Everyone uses formula – Nearly 80% of women in the U.S. breastfeed, according to the CDC.
- Formula provides more vitamins than breastmilk – Formulas cannot compare to the nutrients, vitamins and antibodies found in breastmilk.
- Formula costs less than breastmilk – You can actually save up to $1,500 a year in a baby’s first year alone.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision to make, about what is best for you and your baby. No matter what you choose, the key is to have all the information you need.
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