Breastfeeding has important health benefits for parent, child and WVU. Women who nurse are less likely to contract breast, uterine and ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis. Breastfeeding parents benefit emotionally. For example, they are less likely to experience postpartum anxiety and depression. It costs less to breastfeed.
It is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) position that “breastfeeding ensures the best possible health as well as developmental and psychosocial outcomes.” For example, breastfed children are less likely to get sick, allergies, diabetes, asthma, many childhood cancers and SIDS. Breastfed children tend to have higher IQs. Breastfed children are less likely to be obese.
Additional benefits:
- An ongoing breastfeeding relationship benefits organizations.
- Higher morale, productivity, and loyalty.
- Higher employee retention/lower turnover.
- Lower health insurance costs.
- Reduced absenteeism due to sick children.
It is not surprising that people who continue to breastfeed after returning to work, compared with those who do not breastfeed, miss less time because of baby-related illnesses and have shorter absences when they do miss work.
Breastfeeding is frequently best for parents, children and organizations.