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It's a fact that breastfeeding babies have numerous health benefits for both mom and baby. It's also a fact that no two pregnancies, births and babies are the same. Women respond differently to breastfeeding their children. If you have decided you want to breastfeed your child, you should know things to get started and make it easier on yourself.

Breastfeeding is something that most women are eager to do, at least for the first six months of their babies' life. It offers numerous health benefits for both the newborn and mom.  

How It Helps Your Baby

- Toxins and chemicals, such as lead and mercury accumulate in body fat. Breast milk provides a great way to excrete these toxins and chemicals out of the body. In addition, studies show that human milk provides an infant with natural protection against disease and infections. Infants fed on their mother's milk have lower rates of allergies, respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

- In addition to the health benefits associated with breastfeeding your baby, there are also some financial advantages. Formula feeding can cost up to $1000 per year. However, you can freeze breastmilk until you need it, so you will not have to purchase any formula for a while.

How Breastfeeding Helps Mothers

- Breastfeeding reduces a mother's risk of developing breast cancer by 20-30%. This is because women who breastfeed naturally transfer antibodies to their children through breast milk. These antibodies can protect the child from certain diseases later in their life.

- Breastfeeding also helps moms lose weight. If you're breastfeeding exclusively and continuing to gain weight or not losing any weight at all, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. You may be able to get back on track by supplementing with formula during feedings or changing the time of day when you breastfeed so that you can continue to lose weight and keep yourself at a healthy weight.

- Breastfeeding increases the mom's resistance to postpartum depression and can help protect against type II diabetes and certain types of cancer. The longer breastfeeding goes on; the more likely these protective benefits will accrue. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least 6-12months. 

- Some mothers also experience hindrances in milk production. That's when you can have natural milk booster food or drink some of the best pregnancy supplements like andMe's lactation booster. It is enriched with the goodness of Ayurvedic herbs that has no side effects on any women's health.