New moms are no strangers to decision-making. From mulling over delivery details to choosing the right pediatrician for your little one, you may quickly find yourself shoulder-deep in a motherload of decisions. Ever since reliable substitutes for breast milk became available in the 1920s, the decision to breastfeed or not has been permanently added to this list. When it comes to feeding your newborn, we know it can be overwhelming to consider all of your options. We did the work for you—read more to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby.

Benefits for Baby

Breast milk offers the most complete form of nutrition for growing infants. It is unmatched by even the highest quality formulas. Despite the structural complexity of breast milk, which contains over 1,000 unique proteins, it is noticeably easier for infants to digest mama’s milk than formula. Breast milk goes easy on your little one’s digestive system. Breastfed infants experience fewer instances of diarrhea and gastroenteritis–and that’s just the beginning.

Additionally, breastfeeding moms can naturally detect changes in their infant’s body. Breast milk ensures babies get exactly what they need. For example, if your little one gets a cold, your body will produce additional white blood cells and antibodies in your breastmilk. Breastfeeding has also been associated with numerous benefits later in life like a higher IQ and better performance in school. It also reduces risk of asthma, allergies, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and even some forms of cancer.

Benefits for Mom

While those benefits for your baby may be convincing enough to hop on the all-natural train, the advantages of breast milk don’t stop there. Breastfeeding is known to develop attachment and closeness between mom and baby. It even promotes positive social and emotional development into childhood. Studies also suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes throughout your life. An additional plus? Producing milk and feeding your baby around 12 times each day can burn up to about 500 calories!

We want to give you one less thing to worry about so you can focus on your little one. With one of the largest varieties of insurance and upgrade pumps available in one location, Pumps for Mom has a breast pump for everyone. Order yours through insurance today!