Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for a lot of reasons:
- Breastfeeding helps baby and mom bond
- Is the perfect nutrition for your baby
- Saves money
Here is what breastfeeding can mean for you, your family, and your community:
![baby breast feeding](images/bf_baby.jpg)
For Your Baby
- Less illness - fewer ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, colds, flu
- Little or no constipation
- Less risk of obesity and weight problems when your baby is older
- Less risk of diabetes when your baby is older
![pregnant mother](images/bf_mother.jpg)
For Yourself (Mom)
- Less chance of too much blood loss after your baby is born
- Less bleeding after baby
- Smaller uterus quicker – so your stomach will be flatter sooner
- Possible delayed return to monthly periods
- Possible weight loss
- Easy night time feedings – no bottles to prepare
![children laying on grass](images/bf_family.jpg)
For Your Family
- Less illness to share among family members
- Money saved by not buying formula
- Money saved by not needing extra doctor visits and medicine
![people holding globe of earth](images/bf_community.jpg)
Your Community
- Less illness to be shared in the community
- Less time from work or school because of a sick baby
- Fewer health dollars spent on illness
The Future
- Less diabetes and fewer weight problems
- Fewer health dollars spend on long term problems like diabetes and other weight related problems
- Healthier American Indian/Alaska Native people