Sharen Medrano, IBCLC, MPA

• Brain. A unique combination of cholesterol and other types of fat support the growth of nerve tissue and enhance cognitive development in the rapidly growing brain.
  
  
• Eyes. Visual acuity is higher in babies fed human milk.
  
  
• Ears. Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections, thanks to the antibodies in breastmilk.
  
  
• Mouth. Less need for orthodontics in children who breastfed more than a year. Improved muscle development of face from suckling at the breast. Subtle changes in the taste of human milk, based on the foods mom eats, prepare babies to accept a variety of solid foods.
  
  
• Throat. Children who are breastfed are less likely to require tonsillectomies.
  
  
• Respiratory system. Evidence shows that breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper respiratory infections, less wheezing, less pneumonia and less influenza.
  
  
• Heart and circulatory system.  Evidence suggests that breastfed children may have lower cholesterol as adults.
  
  
• Digestive system. Less diarrhea, fewer gastrointestinal infections. Six months or more of exclusive breastfeeding reduces risk of food allergies. Also, less risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adulthood.
  
  
• Immune system. Breastfed babies respond better to vaccinations. Human milk helps to mature baby's own immune system. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancer and autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
  
  
• Endocrine system. Reduced risk of getting diabetes.
  
  
• Kidneys. With less salt and less protein, human milk is easier on a baby's kidneys.
  
  
• Appendix. Children with acute appendicitis are less likely to have been breastfed.
  
  
• Urinary tract. Fewer infections in breastfed infants.
  
  
• Joints and muscles. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is less common in children who were breastfed.
  
  
• Skin. Less allergic eczema in breastfed infants.
  
  
• Growth. Breastfed babies are leaner at one year of age and less likely to be obese later in life.
  
  
• Bowels. Less constipation. Stools of breastfed babies have a less-offensive odor.
  

"Breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime."

- Author Unknown