Throughout history, breastfeeding has gone in and out of fashion. For example, in certain social circles during the early modern era, it was not uncommon for a woman to have a servant, known as a nursemaid, who was responsible for breastfeeding. In the mid-twentieth century, there were more women who were bottle feeding their babies than there were breastfeeding in the United States. In the past few decades, however, breastfeeding has experienced something of a revival. In part, this resurgence in breastfeeding is due to scientific discoveries about what exactly the benefits of breastfeeding are.

Breast milk is, in human beings as well as in other mammals, designed to be a baby’s first food. Breast milk contains the nutrients that a baby needs to have, in the amounts that the baby needs to have it. Breastfeeding benefits your baby by allowing your immune system to help your baby’s immune system. As such, benefits of breastfeeding can include higher resistance to a variety of problems, such as common illnesses like colds and flu, higher resistance to infections, higher resistance to intestinal disorders, and higher resistance to problems with the urinary tract, such as urinary tract infections. In addition, research shows that one of the benefits of breastfeeding is also added protection against colitis, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and some forms of lymphoma. Breastfeeding is also thought to reduce the incidence of dental cavities in your baby, as well as help with the development of the teeth, the jaw, and even speech. Breastfeeding may also play a part in lowering chances of developing an allergy, or even a learning disability.

The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to your baby. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding can reduce the mom’s stress levels. Some research suggests that breastfeeding can eve reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding is also thought to increase the “good” HDL cholesterol, which will reduce the risk of heart disease for the mom. Perhaps one of the most important benefits of breastfeeding is that it allows infant and mother to bond.

While not every mother will, is able, or should breastfeed, there are significant benefits of breastfeeding that must be considered.

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