Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life

Breastfeeding is natural and normal and gives your baby the best start.The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and can continue to benefit your baby along with solid foods for many months after. Every day you breast feed makes a difference to your baby’s health now and in the future.

Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.

Bottle feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breastmilk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help him grow and develop. Also, bottle feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases.

Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against:
** ear infections
** gastro-intestinal infections
** chest infections
** urine infections
** childhood diabetes
** eczema
** obesity
** asthma.

Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against:
** ovarian cancer
** breast cancer
** weak bones later in life.

Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.

Find out how to breastfeed, here

More information about breastfeeding can be found on the NHS Breastfeeding web site: http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/

Source: NHS Breast Feeding web site (as listed above)