Breastfeeding is natural. But it doesn’t always come naturally. If you need some extra motivation to keep you going, read on for a master list of 101 reasons to breastfeed. We hope it helps fuel your journey and perhaps helps convince people close to you to better support you!

101 Reasons To Breastfeed

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the optimal nutrition for infants.

2. The American Dietetic Association promotes breastfeeding

3. Breast milk is more digestible than formula.

4. Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of breast cancer.

5. Baby’s suckling helps shrink mother’s uterus to pre-pregnancy size after childbirth.

6. Formula feeding increases baby girls’ risk of developing breast cancer in later life.

7. Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q.

8. Breast milk is always ready and comes in a nicer package than formula.

9. Breast milk helps pass meconium.

10. Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby’s immune system.

11. Breastfeeding satisfies baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby.

12. Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition.

13. Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.

14. Recommended by the World Health Organization & UNICEF.

15. Breastfeeding protects against Crohn’s disease (intestinal disorder).

16. Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity and being over-weight in later life.

17. Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes.

18. Breastfeeding helps decrease insulin requirements in diabetic mothers.

19. Breastfeeding may help stabilize progress of maternal endometriosis.

20. Breastfed babies have less chance of cardiopulmonary distress while feeding.

21. Baby’s suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage in mother.

22. Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of developing endometrial cancer.

23. Formula feeding increases chances of baby developing allergies.

24. Breast milk lowers risk of baby developing asthma.

25. Formula feeding increases baby’s risk of otitis media (ear infections).

26. Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

27. Breastfeeding protects baby against diarrheal infections.

28. Breastfeeding protects baby against bacterial meningitis.

29. Breastfeeding protects baby against respiratory infections.

30. Formula fed babies have a higher risk of developing certain childhood cancers.

31. Breastfeeding decreases chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

32. Pre-term milk is specially designed for premature infants.

33. Breastfeeding decreases child’s chances of contracting Hodgkin’s disease.

34. Nursing helps mom lose weight after baby is born.

35. Breastfeeding protects baby against some vision defects

36. Breastfeeding decreases chances of osteoporosis

37. Breast milk aids in proper intestinal development

38. Cow’s milk is an intestinal irritant

39. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing ulcerative colitis

40. Breast milk protects against hemophilus b. bacteria

41. Breastfed babies require shorter pre- and post-surgical fasting

42. Breastfeeding results in less sick days for parents

43. Breastfeeding enhances vaccine effectiveness

44. Breastfed babies have less chance of developing necrotizing enterocolitis

45. Breastfeeding contributes to optimal child spacing

46. Breastfeeding is easier than using formula

47. Breast milk is free

48. Formula is expensive

49. Formula costs the government (and taxpayers) millions of dollars

50. Breastfed babies require fewer doctor visits

51. Breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates and protein

52. Breast milk acts like a natural tranquilizer for baby

53. Breastfeeding acts like a natural tranquilizer for mom

54. Breast milk tastes better than formula

55. Breastfed babies are healthier over-all

56. Breastfed babies are less likely to die before their third birthday

57. Breast milk is always the right temperature

58. Breastfeeding mothers spend less time and money on doctor visits

59. Fewer waste packaging products

60. No bottles to tote

61. Breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing high cholesterol

62. No need to refrigerate

63. Cow’s milk is designed for baby cows, while human milk is designed for human babies

64. Breast milk aids in the proper development of a baby’s gastrointestinal tract

65. Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby

66. Human milk is the perfect food for a sick infant

67. Breastfeeding protects mothers against anemia (iron deficiency)

68. Breastfeeding mothers spend less money on menstrual supplies

69. A breastfeeding mom gets more sleep

70. Babies that nurse are happier at night

71. More sleep for dad

72. Less equipment to maintain and store.

73. Less equipment to buy.

74. Breast milk has never been recalled due to manufacturing problems.

75. Fresh breast milk is never contaminated with bacteria.

76. No need to worry about which brand is better.

77. No need to worry about adding contaminated water.

78. Breastfed babies get fewer stomach infections.

79. Less chance of baby getting eczema.

80. Breastfed babies have great skin.

81. Less spit-up.

82. Breastfeeding is better for premature infants.

83. Breast milk contains no genetically engineered materials.

84. Breast milk contains no synthetic growth hormones.

85. Lack of breastfeeding associated with multiple sclerosis in later life.

86. Less chance of inguinal hernia.

87. Better cognitive development for low birth weight babies.

88. Better social development.

89. Decreased risk of baby developing urinary tract infections.

90. Suckling optimizes hand-to-eye coordination.

91. Breastfeeding is a self confidence booster for mom.

92. Facilitates proper dental and jaw development.

93. Breastfed babies have less tooth decay.

94. Less money spent on corrective orthodontia.

95. Better speech development.

96. Breast milk may help combat eye infections.

97. Breastfeeding may lower blood pressure in childhood.

98. No worry about latest ingredient discovered to be missing from formula.

99. Much nicer diaper changes.

100. Breastfed babies smell fantastic.

101. It's what breasts were designed for!

Originally written by: Leslie Burby at Pro Mom

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