Breastfeeding

• Overview
   
• Diet
   
• Problems
   
• Further information

Breast milk provides your baby with the best possible start in life.¹

It contains antibodies to help your baby fight infections, all the nutrients your baby needs and prevents constipation.¹

Breast milk is also very convenient – you can breastfeed anywhere and it’s free.¹

The Department of Health advises all new mums to breastfeed babies exclusively for six months.^2,3

Protection for baby

As well as helping you and your baby grow closer both physically and emotionally, there is growing evidence that breast milk may help to prevent certain illnesses.^1,2,4

More and more research is being carried out into the benefits of breast milk. ^1,2,4,5 So far, it indicates that breast milk protects against: ^1,2,4,5

• Ear infections
• Stomach bugs
• Chest infections
• Urine infections
• Childhood diabetes
• Eczema
• Obesity⁶

There is conflicting research about whether breast milk protects babies from developing asthma or allergies.⁷ The most recent research carried out among 13,000 women in 2007 found no evidence of a protective effect.⁷

Protection for mums

As well as helping to contract your uterus after birth ^1,2,4 breastfeeding also means you may not have a period for a few months, which helps to conserve your iron levels. ^1,2,4

It also protects you from: ^1,2,4

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Weak bones later in life