Facts of the Week
If 90% of US families would breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, the US would save $13 billion per year.
2010 marked the 100th year anniversary of milk banking in the US
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months equals fewer ear infections and respiratory illnesses--that means fewer missed days of work, fewer health care provider bills, and fewer pharmacy bills.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers for moms.
Breastfeeding saves the family budget hundreds of dollars.
Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to become overweight and obese.
Within only three months after giving birth, more than two-thirds of breastfeeding mothers in the U.S. have already begun using formula.
Breast milk has unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases.
Formula feeding is associated with increases in common childhood infections, such as diarrhea and ear infections.
The risk of acute ear infection is 100% higher among exclusively formula-fed infants than in those who are exclusively breastfed during the first six months.
The risk of sudden infant death syndrome is 56% higher among infants who are never breastfed.
Moms who breastfeed have lower risk for breast and ovarian cancer
Breast milk is produced on a demand/supply basis--the more you demand through feeding or expression, the more you produce.
Sugars in breast milk protect the intestines from harmful bacteria.
Breast milk contains natural laxatives for your baby.
Breast milk helps protect your baby from the flu.
Breast milk contains fats, proteins, and sugars.
Exclusive breastfeeding can help mom burn up to 500 calories per day.
Breastfeeding permanently reduces the longterm risk of developing obesity.
Breastfed babies are smarter adults.
August is National Breastfeeding Month and the first week of August is International Breastfeeding Week.
Breastfeeding is the single most effective preventive intervention for preventing deaths of children under the age of 5.
Research shows that about 20% of the neonatal deaths (under 1 month) could be prevented if all newborns began breastfeeding during the first hour of life.
Children who are breastfed for seven to nine months have on average six points higher IQ than children who are breastfed for less than a month.
Breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of breast and ovarian cancer as well as type 2 diabetes.
A fullterm infant’s caloric needs are primarily met by his/her reserves in the first couple of days after delivery.
