Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby and Mom
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continued for at least the first year of life, and as long thereafter as mother and baby desire. Breastfeeding your baby provides these benefits: |
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Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs for the first six months of life and constantly changes to meet your baby’s developmental stage.
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Breast milk supports optimal brain development.
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Breast milk is loaded with antibodies to help protect your baby from illnesses such as ear and respiratory infections.
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Babies were born to breastfeed. Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula.
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Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.
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Breastfeeding is economical and convenient: no cost, no preparation, no warming and always readily available!
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Breastfeeding promotes a special bond between you and your baby.
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Breastfeeding helps you lose your pregnancy weight faster.
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Studies have shown that breastfeeding for longer time periods (up to 2 years) and among younger mothers (early 20s) may reduce the risk of premenapausal and possibly postmenapausal breast cancer. In addition, the risk of ovarian cancer may be lower among women who have breastfed their children.
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St. John's Mercy Medical Center is proud to deliver more than 8,000 babies annually, making us the leading Childbirth Center in Missouri. With each special birth, we offer support, education and experienced, compassionate care for the entire family. You can also rest assured knowing that if your baby needs special care, we offer the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in St. Louis County, as well as a full-service Children's Hospital.
We hope that you, like most expectant mothers in St. Louis, will make us your first choice in maternity care services.
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