Why breastfeeding is sustainable..........

As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, here are some thoughts about why breastfeeding matters for the future of your baby and the planet we are leaving them.

Breastmilk is the most sustainable way to feed a baby. It requires no out sourced energy to produce. There is no waste (it is perfectly targeted nutrition for your baby) and there is no carbon foot print. No plastic packaging, no need to heat it up/use energy (it is always the perfect temperature), and it is free to produce.

According to the International Breastfeeding Journal:

"Milk formula harms the environment not only through land clearing, water use, pollution and methane gas from dairy farming, but also through energy and water waste during manufacturing and distribution, and then due to packaging, food waste, and water and energy use to ensure hygiene."

"Formula production releases massive amounts of green house gases and uses huge volumes of water. The formula industry is a potent driver of global climate change" according to ANU Reporter (Australian National Reporter.

Breastfeeding, on the other hand, is "clean and safe source of all the nutrients needed in the first months of life, provides antibodies that help protect against many childhood illnesses, and reduce the long term risk of obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers"