Breastfeeding Benefits

Grow Closer Physically & Emotionally

Benefits of Breastfeeding

There has been significant reliable evidence produced over recent years to show that breastfeeding has important advantages for both infant and mother.

Breastmilk 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 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.

For Babies

Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against:

• Ear infections
• Gastro-intestinal infections
• Chest infections
• Urine infections
• Childhood diabetes
• Eczema
• Obesity
• Asthma

For Mums

Some research suggest that mothers who breastfeed their babies have fewer episodes of post-delivery depression. It also helps the uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mums are less likely to suffer haemorrhaging since the uterus returns to normal more quickly than that of a formula-feeding mother.

The milk-making hormone, prolactin, has a calming and sedative effect on lactating mothers. This can be very beneficial for both mother and baby. It also means mum is relaxed during feeds and after night-time feeding she can get back to sleep quickly.

Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against:

• Post Natal Depression
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Weak bones later in life
• Cost of formulas!

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

For Both

For a start, there's no risk of mistakes. Breast milk is the ideal natural baby food and it's always at the right temperature. It has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrate, and fluids that new-born babies require.

Then there's convenience, breastfeeding is the most convenient method of feeding. There is no preparation time and it is always available.

For Your Employer

Sick infants and children often oblige the mother or father to stay away from work to care for their children. Depending on national legislation, parents take holiday leave or call in sick themselves. Such absenteeism is costly to employers.

Studies have shown that breastfed babies had statistically fewer episodes of illness than formula-fed infants and that mothers of breastfed babies had fewer absences: 25% of all one-day maternal absences were by mothers breastfeeding compared to 75% for the formula-fed group