Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Over 6 Months (For Both Mom & Baby)

There’s been a lot of talk about breastfeeding and the right to breastfeed in public. While many people don’t agree about whether this should be done publicly, they do agree that there are many benefits of breastfeeding for both the mom and child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of Latina mothers breastfeed their newborns, but only 20% do so until 6 months and 27% do so up to a year. While many agree that the length of breastfeeding of your child varies, there are many benefits to breastfeeding your child for more than 6 months.

Benefits for the Baby

• Colostrum is the pre-milk that comes after delivery is filled with antibodies that protect babies.
• Breast milk is full of protein and low in sugar, so it fights hunger with just a little.
• Reduced incidences of pneumonia, colds, viruses, and even gastrointestinal infections.
• Helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
• Breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies.
• Lowers risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by half.
• Boosts brain development.