A New York City public information campaign highlights the benefits of new mothers breastfeeding, which include burning some 500 calories a day, officials say. "Breastfed infants are at reduced risk for asthma, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses throughout their lifetimes," Dr. Richard Daines, state health commissioner says in a statement. Physicians recommend new mothers exclusively breastfeed their child for the first six months and continue to breastfeed for a year or longer, the statement was quoted as saying by the United Press International (UPI). Studies show breastfed babies have higher IQs, stronger immune systems and a lower risk of certain types of childhood cancers, allergies and respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, Daines says. However, new mothers also benefit from breastfeeding their children by: -- Helping the mother's body recover from pregnancy and labor by shrinking the uterus back to size and reducing any bleeding after childbirth. -- Burning about 500 calories a day, so mothers more easily lose weight gained during pregnancy. -- Lowering the risk of ovarian cancer and some forms of breast cancer. -- Strengthening bones, helping protect mothers against osteoporosis later in life. -- Protecting the mother against type 2 diabetes. -- Helping ward off depression. -- Saving time and money because breast milk is always the right temperature and requires no bottles to wash and sterilize.
