Well, I know it and many of you know it too but today's news includes a report that the American Dietetic Association has issued an evidence-based paper saying it's breastfeeding is good for babies and their mums. You can read  for yourself but basically the writers of the paper have agreed that:

exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first six months of life, and breastfeeding with complementary foods from six months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.

I love when I come across positive information about breastfeeding. It makes a change from reading about how many women find they receive inadequate support and give up early because it's not for them. 

As mothers who have breastfed, with and without problems along the way, it is my belief that it is our duty to help mothers who are struggling and to help encourage those women who are pregnant to breastfeed.

This latest paper which was written by two qualified dietiticians, found that breastfeeding had  a number of positive effects on both mothers and their babies including the following:

  • Human milk reduces the risk for a large number of acute and chronic illnesses. It reduces risk for sudden infant death syndrome.
  • Breastfeeding improves maternal health and well-being, and saves families time and money.
  • Breastfeeding boosts the immune system in babies, and reduces the risk for nonspecific gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections and asthma.
  • Breast milk protects against allergies and intolerances, and promotes correct jaw and teeth development.
  • Breastfeeding is associated with higher intelligence quotient and school performance through adolescence.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk for chronic disease such as obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and childhood leukemia.

Now all we have to do is try to keep spreading the word :)