Q1. Why do I need to breastfeed my baby?

Benefits to the baby

Immunity During breastfeeding, antibodies pass to the baby via the milk. This is one of
the most important features of colostrum

Mental health
Breastfeeding for more than 6 months is an independent predictor of better mental health
through childhood and adolescence according to a large 2009 study. The more
months children were breastfed the less likely they were to suffer from depression,
delinquent behavior, attention issues and other psychological problems. Breastfeeding
also improves cognitive development
Allergic diseases (atopy)
In children who are at risk for developing allergic diseases (defined as at least one parent
or sibling having atopy), atopic syndrome can be prevented or delayed through exclusive
breastfeeding for four months, though these benefits may not be present after four months
of age.
Childhood obesity
Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of extreme obesity in children. The protective
effect of breastfeeding against obesity is consistent, though small, across many studies,
and appears to increase with the duration of breastfeeding.
Diabetes
Infants exclusively breastfed have less chance of developing diabetes mellitus type 1 than
those with a shorter duration of breastfeeding and an earlier exposure to cow milk and
solid foods. Breastfeeding also appears to protect against diabetes mellitus type 2, at least
in part due to its effects on the child's weight.

Q2. Does breastfeeding cause any effect to me?

Benefits to the mother
Breastfeeding is a cost-effective way of feeding an infant, providing nourishment for a
child at a small cost to the mother. Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding usually delays
the return of fertility through lactational amenorrhea, though breastfeeding is an
imperfect means of birth control. During breastfeeding beneficial hormones are released
into the mother's body and the maternal bond can be strengthened.
Hormone release
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that relax the mother and make
her feel more nurturing toward her baby. This hormone release can help to enable sleep
even where a mother may otherwise be having difficulty sleeping. Breastfeeding soon
after giving birth increases the mother's oxytocin levels, making her uterus contract more
quickly and reducing bleeding.
Weight loss
As the fat accumulated during pregnancy is used to produce milk, extended breastfeeding
at least 6 monthscan help mothers lose weight.
Long-term health effects

For breastfeeding women, long-term health benefits include:

Less risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer.
lower risk of coronary heart disease.
mothers who breastfeed longer than eight months benefit from bone re-mineralisation.
Breastfeeding diabetic mothers require less insulin.
Reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
Q3. Isnt breast milk and bottle milk the same / equally beneficial to my baby?