Breastfeeding has many advantages to bottlefeeding. You, as a mother, produce milk that is very healthy for your baby. If you are not sure about breastfeeding, read the list of reasons below why your breast milk is better for your baby than bottle milk (formula or cow’s milk).

• Breast milk has every nutrient in the right proportions needed for rapid growth of your child’s brain and nervous system.
  
• The colostrum, the first milk the baby receives, passes on immune properties to the infant, is high in protein and carbohydrates.
  
• Human milk has a lower iron content than formula but the infant, because of the vitamin C levels in human milk, absorbs the iron more efficiently.
  
• Breastfed babies are less likely to have allergies because a mother’s milk contains antibodies that prevent the absorption of allergy provoking proteins.
  
• Breastfeeding contributes to proper jaw and mouth development because of the way the breast is suckled.
  
• Breastfed babies have fewer incidences of illnesses — such as colds, diarrhea, ear infections — and fewer hospital admissions.
  
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop into overweight children or adults. Since babies nurse until they are full, they learn to control their intake of food according to hunger rather than being encouraged to take a pre-determined amount of milk.
  
• Breastfeeding increases the bonding and encourages a closer relationship between mother and baby.
  
• Breastfeeding is easy and convenient. No preparation, warming or sterilization of milk or equipment is needed.

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