Breastfeeding
Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases. It also reduces mothers' chances of getting certain diseases later in life.
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 breast milk, 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.
- ovarian cancer
- breast cancer
- weak bones later in life.
Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster
It’s natural to have questions or need some extra support to breastfeed successfully. You can speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. Or you can call one of the following helplines:
La Leche League
Tel. 0845 120 2918
National Childbirth Trust
Tel. 0870 444 8708
