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Research indicates that breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and infant. Not only is breast milk easier to digest than formula, babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least the first 6 months have fewer ear and respiratory infections than those who are bottle fed and are less likely to become overweight or obese. Antibodies passed from mother to baby while nursing help protect the baby from communicable diseases for the first few months of life. Mothers who breastfeed have less risk of breast and ovarian cancer, less risk of osteoporosis, and lose the weight they gained during pregnancy faster than mothers who do not breastfeed. There are also economic benefits. Families save money because they do not have to buy formula and bottles. Working mothers who breastfeed may miss fewer days from work caring for a sick baby and spend less on doctor visits and medicine.
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