1. A healthier baby "The incidences of pneumonia, colds and viruses are reduced among breastfed babies," says infant-nutrition expert Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and OB-GYN at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y., and the author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession (Elsevier-Mosby). Gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea—which can be devastating, especially in developing countries—are also less common.

2. Long-term protection, too Breastfeed your baby and you reduce his risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type I diabetes, celiac disease and Crohn's disease.

3. Stronger bones According to Lawrence, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. "When a woman is pregnant and lactating, her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently," she explains. "So while some bones, particularly those in the spine and hips, may be a bit less dense at weaning, six months later, they are more dense than before pregnancy."

4. Lower SIDS risk Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome by about half.

5. Fewer problems with weight It's more likely that neither of you will become obese if you breastfeed him.

6. A calorie incinerator You may have heard that nursing burns up to 500 calories a day. And that's almost right. "Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce," Lawrence explains. "If you feed your baby 20 ounces a day, that's 400 calories you've swept out of your body."

7. It's good for the earth Dairy cows, which are raised in part to make infant formula, are a significant contributor to global warming: Their belching, manure and flatulence (really!) spew enormous amounts of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

8. Better healing postdelivery The oxytocin released when your baby nurses helps your uterus contract, reducing postdelivery blood loss. Plus, breastfeeding will help your uterus return to its normal size more quickly—at about six weeks postpartum, compared with 10 weeks if you don't breastfeed.

9. Less risk of cancer Breastfeeding can decrease your baby's risk of some childhood cancers. And you'll have a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer, an often deadly disease that's on the rise.

10. A custom-made supply Formula isn't able to change its constitution, but your breast milk morphs to meet your baby's changing needs. Colostrum—the "premilk" that comes in after you deliver—is chock-full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby. "It's also higher in protein and lower in sugar than 'full' milk, so even a small amount can hold off your baby's hunger," says Heather Kelly, an international board-certified lactation consultant in New York City and a member of the Bravado Breastfeeding Information Council's advisory board.

When your full milk comes in (usually three to four days after delivery), it is higher in both sugar and volume than colostrum—again, just what your baby requires. "He needs a lot of calories and frequent feedings to fuel his rapid growth," Kelly explains. "Your mature milk is designed to be digested quickly so he'll eat often."

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Saturday, August 6th