This week is World Breastfeeding Week. Did you know that? I did.

Did you know... that children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies? 

And that no matter what formula companies do to formula, all formula will remain the same (label by label) but that your milk will change every feeding to suit your child's needs. 

Did you know...The activity of sucking at the breast enhances development of baby’s oral muscles, facial bones, and aids in optimal dental development.

That's sure to save on some orthodontic bills ;)

Did you know...Breast milk is more digestible than formula?

So, rest assured that when your little one is sick for the first time, that your milk will be soothing to their tummy, and is more likely to be digested and provide hydration and nutrients to your baby. I remember the first time my breastfed daughter was sick enough to vomit. It was a relief to know that she would still nurse, and stay hydrated. This past Spring I did not have that luxury, and she did become dehydrated.

Did you know...Breast milk provides natural pain relief for baby 

That pretty much speaks for itself. Babies get hurt when they're learning new motor skills. A rattle whack to the eye, the first fat lip when the new crawler stumbles. The first goose egg your new walker gets from walking into the table. Yeah, mama's milk makes that all better, too.



Did you know that....moms and dads will get more sleep, and baby will be happier at night?

That is if you co-sleep, so that's probably not all applicable to everyone. But, I did co-sleep, and I did sleep a lot more at night with my co-sleeping nursling than I did with my crib sleeping formula fed babe.  


What about toddlers? Don't they benefit too? Of COURSE!!!

Did you know .... in the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:

• 29% of energy requirements
• 43% of protein requirements
• 36% of calcium requirements
• 75% of vitamin A requirements
• 76% of folate requirements
• 94% of vitamin B₁₂ requirements
• 60% of vitamin C requirements

-- Dewey 2001

Did you know that .... The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)

Breastfeeding past infancy (beyond 12 months) is NORMAL!

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that "As recommended by the WHO, breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is not the cultural norm in the United States and requires ongoing support and encouragement. It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years. Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection, better social adjustment, and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer." They also note that "If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2008)






In short, there are countless benefits to breastfeeding your child from birth to a year. There are just as many, if not more that reach beyond the first year. 



And did you know that Firefox crashed while writing this, so all of the website I was going to site for information are gone!! I can tell you that two were Promom, and Kellymom. Thank you for making the information so easy to find!!! 


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