Breast milk changes as your baby grows so they get exactly what they need.
Breastfeeding provides comfort, pain relief and natural nurturing for your baby.
Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from infections because antibodies are passed into the milk.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life because it provides all the nutrients a baby needs.
Breastfed babies are five times less likely to be admitted to hospital with infections such as gastroenteritis, otitis media (ear infections) and respiratory infections. It will also help to avoid constipation in your baby.
Breastfed babies are less likely to get allergies like eczema.
Formula feeding actually increases the risk of a baby developing diabetes, childhood cancer and many allergies.
Breast milk contains growth factors and hormones that help your baby develop.
Breastfed babies are less likely to become obese in later childhood.
Breastfed babies spend more time being held, close to mother leading to an overall more contented baby.
Being breastfed is the best start in life your baby can have.
Why breast is best for mothers:
Breastfeeding is free.
There is no need to sterilise bottles, prepare feeds or keep your baby waiting.
You can do it anytime, any place, anywhere.
Breast milk is babies’ food and drink for the first six
months, making it easy for you to get out and about.
Breastfeeding is a lot easier than bottle-feeding in the middle of the night.
Breastfeeding builds a special bond between you and your baby, and is a very rewarding experience for you, the mother.
Your womb will return to it's normal size far more quickly than of those mums who formula-feed.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of you developing breast and ovarian cancers as well as osteoporosis.
You will burn more calories, so will regain your pre-pregnancy shape much more quickly.
If you breastfeed you get the chance to sit down, relax and enjoy motherhood whilst feeding your baby.
By breastfeeding, you can be happy in the knowledge that you are giving your baby the best possible start in life.