Breastfeeding can be tough, but there are some incredible benefits for both mom and baby. Some of the benefits are obvious, but some you may not be aware of. If you are interested in breastfeeding, know that it will be worth it to stick to it. Let’s start with the benefits for your little one.

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby

• Breast milk is perfectly formulated by nature to meet all of your babies needs.  No need to check out the ingredients or worry about weighing the correct amount of formula vs. water- this stuff is ready to go in perfect form, every time. 
• Breastfeeding can help your baby from developing certain allergies. Babies who primarily drink dairy or soy milk have a higher risk of developing allergic reactions to food. Secretory IgA which is only found in breastmilk, helps create a layer of protection to a baby's intestinal tract and immune system.
• Your babies immune system has a lot to learn, the good news is breastmilk can help in a big way. It gives your baby some much needed antibodies so they can fight off illnesses.
• There are many diseases that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of, like diabetes, SIDS, asthma, eczema, ear infections, and more. 
• Obesity rates are known to be lower in breastfed babies, on average. 
• Intelligence. A number of studies have linked breastfeeding to helping a baby's intelligence develop at a greater level, provided breastfeeding is conducted over a long period and is not supplemented with other food sources, e.g. baby formula.
• Bonding! While there are plenty of opportunities for bonding with your baby aside from breastfeeding, breastfeeding provides some great bonding time.  

Your baby isn’t the only one who will benefit from breastfeeding, there are some great benefits for you as well.

Benefits of breastfeeding for moms

• Breastfeeding in the weeks after delivery can help reduce your bleeding faster and get your uterus back in pre-pregnancy “shape” quicker.  
• It can save you some cash - the cost of formula adds up fast, even after the purchase of a breast pump (if needed), you are usually saving some serious money. 
• It’s not just money you save, but time as well. When your baby wakes in the middle of the night and needs fed - don’t worry about the time it takes to make a bottle, just nurse them and go right back to sleep. 
• Weight loss
• Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Reduced risk of depression 
• Delay in your period returning- this isn’t the case for all women but many won’t see their period return until after they are done breastfeeding.  
• Bonding!  

Breastfeeding isn’t going to work for every situation and every mom; but with all the benefits- it’s worth considering!