Breastfeeding cost benefit

Breastfeeding can save the lives of nearly 1 000 babies each year as well as billions of dollars According to a new Harvard University study researchers analyzed 10 common childhood illnesses and what it costs to treat them They then compared those numbers to other studies that looked at whether breastfeeding prevents those illnesses Antibiodies in breast milk have been proven to fight infections regulate insulin and prevent some cancers They found breastfeeding for six months prevents 900 deaths and saves an estimated 13 billion in health care costs and potential lost wages Nearly 50 percent of new mothers do some breastfeeding while 12 percent follow government guidelines to exclusively breastfeed for six months