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Tips for Growing Your Baby's Brain

Developed by Kevin Karpowicz, M.D., Schenectady, New York

Tip #5: Breastfeed Your Baby

For mothers, breastfeeding makes hormones in the body that help prevent depression and increase relaxation.

  • Breast milk contains special fatty acids and other substances not found in formulas or cow's milk. These substances play a very important part in helping your baby's brain build the cells and connections it needs.
  • The act of breastfeeding itself is also very important for your baby's brain, because it provides
    • Skin-to-skin body contact
    • Soothing touch
    • A peaceful time of physical closeness
  • This helps your baby's brain develop connections that will later help her (or him) form trusting relationships with others and learn that the world can be a safe place.

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