Breast 

milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein,
and fat -- everything your baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested
than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and
bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are
breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections,
respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the
doctor.
Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies. What's more,
the physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you
and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow
rather than become overweight children. The AAP says breastfeeding also plays a role in the
prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It's been thought to lower the risk
of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well, but more research is needed.

Breastf eeding Benefi ts for Baby

Breast milk is nature's perfect baby food. It contains immunity-boosting antibodies and healthy enzymes that
scientists have yet to replicate. Here are some advantages of breast milk for babies:
Protects against allergies and eczema. If there's a history of either in your family, it may be especially
beneficial for you to breastfeed. Proteins in cow's milk and soy milk formulas can stimulate an allergic
reaction, while the proteins in human breast milk are more easily digested.
Causes less stomach upset, diarrhea, and constipation than formula.  This is also because breast milk is so
easy for your baby's body to break down.
Reduces the risk of viruses, urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, ear
infections, and respiratory infections. "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). Additionally, formula-fed infants are
three times more likely to suffer from ear infections than breastfed babies, and up to five times more likely to
suffer from pneumonia and lower respiratory-tract infections.
Lessens the risk of SIDS. Although the connection is unclear, breastfed infants account for only half as
many SIDS cases as formula-fed infants do.
Makes vaccines more effective. Research shows that breastfed babies have a better antibody response to
vaccines than formula-fed babies.
Protects against diseases such as spinal meningitis, type 1 diabetes, and Hodgkin's lymphoma.  You pass
your baby immune factors and white blood cells through breast milk.
May make your baby smarter. Research is still inconclusive, but studies are pointing toward breastfed babies
having higher IQ scores later in life, even when taking socioeconomic factors into consideration. The fatty
acids in breast milk are thought to be the brain boosters.
Could help prevent obesity. Some studies show that breastfed infants are less likely to be obese later in life.
The theory is that nursing mothers get in tune with signals that their baby is full, and don't overfeed. "You
have to read your baby's 'satiety cues' a little better, because unlike with a bottle, you can't see how much
he's eaten. You have to rely on your own instincts and your baby's behavior to know when your baby is full,"
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.
Brings baby close to you. Bottlefed babies form bonds with their parents too, of course, but the skin-to-skin
contact of breastfeeding is reassuring to a newborn.
 RELATED: 6 Tips for Making Breastfeeding Stick

Breastf eeding Benefi ts for Mom

The benefits of breastfeeding don’t only extend to your baby. It turns out that breastfeeding can boost your
health as well, since it:
Lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Studies show that women who breastfeed have less risk of
these cancers later in life.
Helps you lose pregnancy weight. Because milk production burns about 300 to 500 calories a day, nursing
mothers tend to have an easier time losing pregnancy weight in a healthy way—that is, slowly and without
dieting. "Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce. If you feed your baby 20 ounces a day, that's 400 calories
you've swept out of your body," says Lawrence.
Triggers your uterus to shrink back to prepregnancy size. In fact, in the first few weeks, you might feel mild
contractions while you're nursing.
May lower your risk of osteoporosis. 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 effi ciently," Lawrence 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."
Heals your body after delivery. The oxytocin released when your baby nurses helps your uterus contract,
reducing post-delivery 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.
Delays menstruation. Breastfeeding your baby around the clock—no bottles or formula—will delay ovulation,
which means delayed menstruation. "Breastfeeding causes the release of prolactin, which keeps estrogen and
progesterone at bay so ovulation isn't triggered," Kelly explains. "When your prolactin levels drop, those two
hormones can kick back in, which means ovulation—and, hence, menstruation—occurs." Even if you do
breastfeed exclusively, your prolactin levels will eventually drop over the course of several months. Many
moms who solely nurse will see their periods return between six and eight months after delivery, Kelly adds;
others don't for a full year.
 RELATED: 7 Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

Can give you some natural birth-control protection. Granted, it's not as reliable as the pill or most
other forms of birth control, but breastfeeding can keep you from ovulating if you follow these guidelines:
Your period must not have resumed; you must breastfeed at least every four hours around the clock; you
must not give your baby any pacifiers, bottles or formula; and you must be less than six months postpartum.
According to Kelly, nightti me feedings are the most important to the "lactation amenorrhea method," so do
not let your baby (or yourself ) sleep through a feeding. "Going long stretches at night without nursing seems
to be directly responsible for the return of ovulation," she says. Prematurely sleep training your baby can also
hasten ovulation.
Gives you closeness with your baby. Most moms cite this as the biggest benefit of breastfeeding. Nursing is
something special the two of you share. You and baby exchange looks, noises, and cuddles during a nursing
session, and communicate love to each other. "It's empowering as a new mother to see your baby grow and
thrive on your breast milk alone," Lawrence says.
Saves you money. Breastfeeding is essentially free. According to La Leche League International, the cost of
formula can range anywhere from $134 to $491 per month. That's $1,608 to $5,892 in one year! Even if you
choose to buy an electric pump, a nursing pillow, and several nursing bras, you'll still only spend about half
the cost of a year's supply of formula.
The cost savings extend beyond your household, too. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics,
the United States would save about $13 billion per year in medical costs if 90 percent of U.S. families
breastfed their newborns for at least six months.
Gives you less time off work. Your baby will be ill less often, so that means fewer sick days for you.
Cultivates friendships. "Breastfeeding helps cultivate relationships with other moms," Kelly says. Whether it's
talking about parenting styles, nightti me feedings or engorgement, nursing allows women to forge positive
postpartum relationships. Adds Kelly, "Women are supposed to be sitti ng together, nursing and taking care of
babies."
Makes you more eco-friendly. 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.
1. Empower yourself
Every woman is different. Our bodies are different, our babies are different and no 2 births are the
same.
That’s why it’s useful to find out more about labour and birth. Understanding more about your
options, and the pros and cons of each, can help you feel more confident in making decisions about
how you want to deliver your baby.
You can also talk to your midwife if there is anything you’re particularly concerned about. They will
answer any questions you have and explain what can be done to deliver your baby safely in every
possible scenario. 

2. Prepare your mind

Try not to listen to horror stories about labour as these are really unhelpful if you’re feeling nervous.
Try to remember that for every bad experience, there is a mum out there with a positive story to tell.
This can be hard, especially if you’ve had a bad experience yourself. But try to think positively as
much as possible. Lots of mums tell us it really helps to have a positive outlook.

3. Prepare your body

Labour often requires strength and stamina, so it’s important to prepare your body for it. Exercise
during pregnancy can also be a great way to de-stress.
You could try finding out about antenatal exercise classes near you. For example, a pregnancy yoga
class can be really helpful. It will help you get your baby in a good position for birth, teach you
positions to help you through labour, and provide some relaxation and breathing techniques to help
you stay calm. Any type of exercise is good though. If you don’t have the time or money to join a
class, just going for a walk in the park will be beneficial.

4. Practise relaxation techniques

Using breathing techniques can help calm your nerves (before and after labour) and control the pain.
You can practise all the way through pregnancy to ensure you’re comfortable using them when
labour starts

5. Think about your birth plan

A birth plan can be a useful way of communicating all your wishes, concerns and choices quickly and
effectively, particularly when you move to active labour and may not want to (or be able to) have long
discussions with your midwife, or if there’s a staff change. Just remember that labour doesn’t always
go to plan on the day, so you may have to be a little flexible.