THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY
Before dealing with the myths and possible difficulties associated with breastfeeding, let's look at its huge benefits.
Breastfeeding can be quick, easy, and convenient and is the most natural thing in the world. It is also the cheapest way to feed your baby and is one of the greatest pleasures for both of you. Breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides the best start for babies. Breastfeeding represents a major contribution to infant health and development and it will also benefit Mum.
Breast is Best
When you breastfeed your baby, you'll be giving him or her a living fluid containing substances that we are just starting to understand, such as proteins for bodybuilding, fats for energy and growth (particularly for the brain), carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals as well as antibodies.
The milk also changes during the feed. When your baby first begins to suck, they will receive foremilk. This milk is sweet to taste and watery to look at. It is low in fat and calories, but high in the milk sugar, lactose. This helps to quench baby's thirst.
As the feed goes on, the richer hind milk is released, which is higher in fat and calories. This is why it's a good idea to let your baby stay at the same breast as long as he wants to each time.
Breastfeeding creates a bond between you and your baby, which can help your child form good relationships later in life with other people.
Breastfeeding benefits for you, the mother:
(taken from the NHS - Under Five Feeding Guidelines, Mar 03)
- Reduce in the risk of hip fracture in older age
- Lower risk of early breast cancer
- Lower risk of some types of ovarian cancer
- Can cause more rapid involution of the uterus - (this can help mother's uterus return to size more quickly)
- Convenient - your breastmilk will always be at the right temperature, ready and waiting for your baby (no preparation is required)
- Breastmilk is cheap & economical and will never go off, even if mum hasn't fed for a few days
Breastfeeding Benefits for your baby:
(taken from the NHS - Under Five Feeding Guidelines, Mar 03)
- Provides all the nutrients a baby will need in the first six months of life
- The iron in breastmilk is well absorbed, which will help prevent your baby from developing iron deficiencies, or becoming anaemic
- Having breastmilk will ensure that your baby will get the right amount of salt and phosphate
- Better mental development
- Protection against middle ear infections
- Protection against urinary infections
- Protection against chest infection and wheezing
- Lower risk of diabetes
- Protection against diarrhoea, tummy upsets and gastro-enteritis
- Less smelly nappies
- Less eczema and allergies
