It almost goes without saying that breastmilk provides optimal nutrition for your baby and it seems that most moms are aware of that. According to the CDC, nearly 75% of mothers start out breastfeeding their newborns. And even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the baby’s first year, just over 40% are still breastfeeding at six months and only 16% make it all the way to the one year mark. Of the moms who do breastfeed at any point in their child’s infancy, many of them do not do it exclusively.

Before you join the ranks of the majority who feed or supplement with formula, consider the benefits of breastfeeding:

• Breastmilk is the perfect food for baby. It has the right amount of nutrients and babies rarely, if ever, have trouble digesting it.
• Studies show that breastfed babies are generally healthier and are better protected against things like ear infections, obesity, and even SIDS.
• Children who were breastfed as babies reportedly score higher on IQ tests.
• Breastmilk is always ready and at the right temperature.
• Breastfeeding provides intimate bonding time between a mother and her baby.
• Breastfeeding also has health benefits for mom, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
• Breastfeeding can burn as much as 500 calories a day, helping new moms to shed any excess baby weight.
• And if all of that isn’t enough, breastmilk is free!