From essential nutrients and enhanced immunity to special bonding moments, breastfeeding supports optimal growth and long-term health for your baby.
Ideal nutrition
Breastmilk contains all of the essential nutrients a newborn needs, and in the right amounts and ratios. Experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months (and ideally up to one year) because the composition of breastmilk actually adapts to meet the baby’s changing nutritional needs as they grow.
Antibodies and disease prevention
Colostrum, or the first release of breastmilk, is rich in antibodies that help the body fight harmful viruses and bacteria. Research shows that babies that are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to suffer from gastroenteritis, colds and flu, ear and chest infections and thrush.
Happy tummies
The types of proteins found in breastmilk are easily digested, allowing your baby’s digestive systems to develop. Breastmilk is also rich in probiotics that help populate the baby’s digestive system with positive bacteria.
Back to sleep
Breastfeeding releases the feel-good love hormone, oxytocin, in both baby and mom. This hormone helps babies get back to sleep after they’ve been fed. Other hormones and biochemicals in breastmilk help set healthy sleep-wake circadian rhythms, too.
Lifelong advantages
Studies suggest that breastfeeding offers long-term benefits to children, such as the prevention of obesity, type-2 diabetes, eczema and cardiovascular diseases.