The benefits of breastfeeding 

Early breast milk is liquid gold. Known as liquid gold, colostrum is the thick yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby. 

Your breast milk changes as your baby grows. Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and  protein to help your baby continue to grow. 

Breast milk is easier to digest. For most babies, especially premature babies, breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s milk and it takes time for babies’ stomachs to adjust to digesting those proteins. 

Breast milk fights disease. The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk. 

Mom benefits, too

Life can be easier when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding may take a little more effort than formula feeding at first, but when you breastfeed, there are no bottles or nipples to sterilize. No formula to buy, measure and mix and no bottles to warm in the middle of the night. 

Breastfeeding can save money. Formula and feeding supplies can cost well over $1,500 each year. 

Breastfeeding can feel great. Physical and skin-to-skin contact with your infant can be a very special bonding time. It is important for newborns, helping them feel more secure, warm, and comforted, and it also feels like special time for Mom. 

Breastfeeding can be good for the mother’s health, too. Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of health problems in women like Type 2 diabetes, breast, and ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. 

Mothers miss less work. Breastfeeding mothers miss fewer days from work because their infants are sick less often. 

Breastfeeding didn’t work out for you and baby? That’s okay – you can safely feed your baby with infant formula.