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Why Breastfeeding is Important

Human milk is best for human babies. Research has proven it time and time again. When mothers follow nature’s lead and breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits.

Breastmilk has all the right nutrients, in just the right amounts, at just the right time. Throughout the breastfeeding relationship, just like during pregnancy, mom’s body knows what her baby needs.

Breastmilk is always fresh and ready. No mixing, measuring or sterilizing required. Breastfeeding saves time, money and resources. It’s free and leaves no waste from wrappers, cans and packaging. Nighttime feeding and travelling is easier.

Breastfeeding helps baby’s brain flourish, which may enhance the ability to learn. Some studies suggest breastfeeding may result in higher cognitive development.

Breastmilk is easy on baby’s delicate tummy, causing less stomachaches, diarrhea and constipation. Breastfeeding can help to protect children against SIDS, ear infections, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, asthma, allergies and diabetes, as well as many other diseases, including obesity.

Since breastfeeding helps to build a strong immune system, babies get sick less often, so moms and dads might miss less work, too.

Breastfeeding is great for mom’s health, also. It helps her womb shrink back into shape and encourages her body to heal. It even helps her to burn calories and lose weight. Breastfeeding protects mothers against osteoporosis, breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and can reduce postpartum anxiety and depression.

Breastfeeding is soothing for both mother and baby – building a close, trusting relationship. It is truly the start of something special.



	Our Mission: To improve the health of West Virginians by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and educate our community about breastfeeding. Our Vision: We envision breastfeeding as the normal and preferred method of feeding babies and children. Our Goals: Improve the health and well-being, primarily, of our state’s infant and maternal population by increasing the initiation and duration rates of breastfeeding, resulting in residual and lasting health benefits. Promote and protect a public environment that is supportive and accepting of breastfeeding. Promote communication and collaboration among individuals, professionals and organizations working to support and educate the community about breastfeeding. Click here to learn more about the Business Case for Breastfeeding.	Why Breastfeeding is Important Human milk is best for human babies. Research has proven it time and time again. When mothers follow nature’s lead and breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits. Breastmilk has all the right nutrients, in just the right amounts, at just the right time. Throughout the breastfeeding relationship, just like during pregnancy, mom’s body knows what her baby needs. Breastmilk is always fresh and ready. No mixing, measuring or sterilizing required. Breastfeeding saves time, money and resources. It’s free and leaves no waste from wrappers, cans and packaging. Nighttime feeding and travelling is easier. Breastfeeding helps baby’s brain flourish, which may enhance the ability to learn. Some studies suggest breastfeeding may result in higher cognitive development. Breastmilk is easy on baby’s delicate tummy, causing less stomachaches, diarrhea and constipation. Breastfeeding can help to protect children against SIDS, ear infections, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, asthma, allergies and diabetes, as well as many other diseases, including obesity. Since breastfeeding helps to build a strong immune system, babies get sick less often, so moms and dads might miss less work, too. Breastfeeding is great for mom’s health, also. It helps her womb shrink back into shape and encourages her body to heal. It even helps her to burn calories and lose weight. Breastfeeding protects mothers against osteoporosis, breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and can reduce postpartum anxiety and depression. Breastfeeding is soothing for both mother and baby – building a close, trusting relationship. It is truly the start of something special.
Copyright 2008 West Virginia Breastfeeding Alliance, all rights reserved.