For many years, scientists have been playing out the ingredients that make breast milk the perfect food for babies. They’ve discovered to day over 200 close compounds to fight infection, help the immune system mature, aid in digestion, and support brain growth – nature made properties that science simply cannot copy.

In the United States, the frequency of breastfeeding has risen sharply in the past 25 years. It’s advantages include nutritional, immunologic and psychological benefits.

Here’re 19 Reasons Why Breastfeeding is plenty better For You & Your infant:

• The high fat content in breast milk helps the baby to gain weight quickly and is not bad for babies like a high-fat diet might be for an adult.
• The fat also provides essential vitamin A, D & E to your baby.
• The higher cholesterol levels in breast milk may help protect against high cholesterol issues later in life.
• The proteins and fats in whole cow’s milk are more difficult for an infant to digest and absorb than the ones in breast milk.
• Whole cow’s milk also contains excessive amounts of protein, sodium and potassium which may put a strain on an infant’s immature kidneys. In this case, breast milk contains water soluble vitamins and proteins which are good for your baby.
• Mothers produce antibodies to whatever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well.
• Breastfed babies are healthier as the milk contains antibodies which can reduce the ear infections and respiratory illnesses. Approximately eighty percent of the cells in breast milk contain macrophages, a special type of cell that kills bacteria, fungi and viruses.

• One of the main benefits of breast milk is its high content of whey protein. Whey protein is an easily digestible energy source. It can provide the necessary energy required by a baby.
• In addition to missing out on the immunological benefits of breast milk, formula fed infants are at higher risk for SIDS and developing chronic health problems like allergies, obesity and diabetes later on.
• Your body burns about 500 calories a day when making breastfeeding. In this case, breastfeeding uses up those calories, making it easier to lose the weight you put on during pregnancy.
• Breast milk is completely free and readily available. This helps you to reduce your family expenses for buying infant formula milk.
• The bond between baby and you can also be strengthened during breastfeeding. Interestingly, at birth a baby can only focus on things between 12 and 18 inches away – precisely the distance between your face and your baby’s eyes during breast feeding.