The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers a simple way to ensure that your child starts life with several important health advantages. Best of all, breastfeeding is free. Ventura pediatricians Drs. Kevin White, MD, and Stacey Lowen, MD, share a few benefits of the practice. Together with nurse practitioners Julie Schreiner and Jennifer Simonds, they are here to provide comprehensive health care services to babies, children and teenagers in Ventura, CA and surrounding areas.

Breastfeeding Health Benefits

Breastfeeding offers a variety of health benefits for your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies, proteins produced by your immune system that help protect you from disease. When your baby drinks your milk, you pass these antibodies on to him or her, lowering the risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and other conditions and diseases.

You also benefit from breastfeeding. Research studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding can also help you lose weight. You'll burn approximately 300 to 500 calories per day when you breastfeed your child.

Emotional Benefits of Breastfeeding

No matter how you feed your baby, you'll develop a strong emotional bond with him or her. Breastfeeding can enhance this bond because it offers skin-to-skin contact and triggers the release of oxycontin and prolactin, two hormones that play a role in promoting feelings of attachment and contentment.

Convenience

You don't have to worry about preparing bottles in the middle of the night when you choose breastfeeding. You can feed your baby immediately when he or she is hungry and won't even have to leave your warm bed to do it. Breastfeeding also gives you more time to enjoy your baby, since you won't be washing bottles and nipples.

Have questions about the benefits of breastfeeding or general questions about your baby's health? Make an appointment with the Ventura pediatricians at Surfside Pediatrics by calling (805) 643-7500.