Importance of breastfeeding

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Why is it important to breastfeed? Breastfeeding a baby exclusively for the first 6 months, and then continued breastfeeding in addition to appropriate solid foods until 12 months and beyond, has health benefits for both the mother and child.

Importance of breastfeeding for mother

Research shows that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for mothers.
Breastfeeding
  • assists the uterus return to its pre-pregnant state faster
  • can help women to lose weight after  baby’s birth
  • reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer
  • reduces the risk of osteoporosis
  • reduces the risk of mothers with gestational diabetes developing Type 2 diabetes.

Importance of breastfeeding for baby

Less illness
Babies who are fed breast milk have a lower risk of :
  • gastro-intestinal (gut) illness
  • allergies
  • asthma
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • some childhood cancers
  • respiratory tract (chest) infections
  • urinary tract infections
  • SIDS (cot death).
Breastfed babies are less likely to be hospitalised.

Perfect Food
Breastmilk has important ingredients, that are not found in any infant formula, to build the baby’s immune system. Breastmilk changes from feed to feed to suit each baby’s unique needs, making it the perfect food to promote healthy growth and development.

More easily digested
Breastmilk is more easily digested than infant formula. Breastfed babies are rarely constipated and are less likely to get diarrhoea.

Environmentally friendly
Breastmilk has no waste products and leaves no carbon footprint.