Describe some of the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breast milk is an optimal source of nutrition for infants containing all of the nutrients needed to support growth and development. Additionally, breast milk is associated with a number of health benefits for both baby and mother, such as reduction in infections and infectious disease, decrease in future risk of being overweight or obese and developing certain chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The immune-enhancing factors also protect against common allergies and food intolerances. Children who were breastfed may also have a higher IQ than non-breastfed children. Mothers who breastfeed may have a reduction in certain post-partum complications, such as iron deficiency and post-partum depression. Breastfeeding also can help the mother return to their pre-pregnancy weight by encouraging faster shrinkage of the uterus following birth.