Stolen from Shelly...very interesting stuff!
Breastfed babies have a higher survival rate than those fed formula.
Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses.
Babies who are breastfed for AT LEAST 6 months have: 3 times fewer ear infections
5 times fewer urinary tract infections
5 times fewer serious illnesses
7 times fewer allergies
Breastmilk is easier to digest than formula causing less spit up, diarrhea and constipation.
For every 87 formula fed babies who die from SIDS only 3 breastfed babies die from SIDS.
Babies fed only breastmilk for AT LEAST the first 26 weeks of life are 6 times less likely to develop lymphoma (a type of cancer) in childhood.
Babies who are breastfed AT LEAST one year are only half as likely to develop diabetes.
As adults, people who were breastfed infants have:
less asthma
less diabetes
fewer skin problems
fewer allergies
lowered risk of heart attack and stroke
lower cholesterol levels
less ulcerative colitis
less Crohn's disease
protection from certain chronic liver diseases
Studies show that children who were breastfed have higher IQs than those who were given formula by an average of 7 points.
Breastmilk contains immunities and aids in the development of babies' immune systems.
A mother's milk is tailor made for her child and at every developmental stage provides exactly what the baby needs.
Breastfeeding helps protect baby from bacterial meningitis.
Breastfed babies are less than half as likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Breastfeeding protects against night blindness.
Breastfed baby's have a decreased chance of becoming obese children or adults.
Breastfeeding increases vaccine effectiveness.
Breastfeeding acts as a natural pain reliever for babies when they are hurt.
Breastfeeding facilitates proper jaw and dental development.
Breastfed babies have less tooth decay.
Breastfeeding satisfies baby's emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and child.
STUDIES SHOW THAT BREASTFED TODDLERS CONTINUE TO REAP ALL THE WONDERFUL NUTRITIONAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF NURSING.
"Contrary to the popular belief that extended attachment hinders independence, we notice that babies who are not prematurely rushed through any attachment stage and weaned before their time actually become more independent."
~William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN "The Discipline Book"
http://www.aceks.com/mikboy/extbfg.htm
http://www.promom.org/101/
http://www.kellymom.com/
http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/
http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/index.html
http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tpweaning/0,,3x5j,00.html