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For Your Baby:
It protects against:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea and other stomach issues
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bone loss later in life
Additionally:
- It reduces risk of SIDS, diabetes and obesity
- Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months of life
- It gives your baby stronger bones and teeth
- It helps your baby develop a higher IQ and improves brain development
- It promotes lower blood pressure and cholesterol later in life
For You:
Breastfeeding reduces risk of:
- Cancer including breast and ovarian
- Postpartum depression
- Low-iron
Additionally:
- It helps return uterus to its normal size
- It promotes weight loss (burns up to 500 calories per day!)
- It reduces health care costs because babies are healthier
- It helps you develops a special bond with your baby
Breastfeed for the Best Start information in Spanish (pdf)