I'm going to be a grandmother soon so I've been having lots of fun helping my daughter prepare for the arrival of their first baby and our first grandchild. I'm very pleased that she has decided to breast feed her baby!  "Should I Breast Feed My Baby?" is one of the most important decisions a mother makes. I nursed all four of my children, loved every minute of it and wouldn't have considered doing anything else. There are many benefits of breast feeding for both Mom and baby for their health and convenience. 

So, what are the health benefits of breastfeeding your baby?  There are more nutrients in breast milk and it's more easily digested than any other source.  In addition, most breast fed babies have an easier time feeding than those who are fed with  alternatives such as bottles.  Another plus is that babies who are breastfed are less likely to become sick,  according to doctors.  My babies were never sick and even when they got older they had fewer colds and viruses than other kids who were bottle fed. It is a suggested that babies who are breastfed not only develop as they should, but they do not gain as much weight as their counterparts. This reduces your child's chances of suffering from childhood obesity.

Studies have also shown that premature infants grow at a faster rate when breastfed.  Furthermore, certain research indicates that babies who receive mother's milk are more likely to score higher on tests to determine their IQ level.

The benefits of breastfeeding to mom are just as important too.  Most moms who breastfeed tend to lose the additional weight gained during pregnancy quicker than those who do not.  Studies have shown that breastfeeding decreases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer as well.  It has also been determined that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop osteoporosis, which has become a concern for those who are pre and post-menopausal.

Breastfeeding is a natural process, it's not only a healthy benefit to baby, but to mom as well.  This is a time when mom and baby begin the bonding process, in an atmosphere that is calm and serene.  As a mom I enjoyed the opportunity to have some quiet time and snuggle with my baby.  I also enjoyed the convenience of having a ready supply of food, with no fuss, mess or preparation required to feed my hungry infant.

Moms who breastfeed babies are providing the best health benefits they can give their newborns in the first days and months of their lives.  Since there has been so much research and studies conducted determining the health benefits derived from breastfeeding, the consensus is that breastfeeding babies outweighs bottle-feeding by a long shot.

The next thing on our to do list is find our more about nursing bras and I found this wonderful resource for nursing bras and breast feeding tips. I hope you find it helpful as well.