Benefits of Breastfeeding

When trying to make the decision on breast or bottle for your baby, you need to be armed with all of the information possible. I have breastfed both of my children but it has not been an easy journey and I do not see myself as being better than any mother who chooses to bottle feed. I have now become a Breastfeeding Counsellor and so I would like to share with you the things I have learnt along the way.

Benefits for Baby:

• Protection against ear infections due to sucking
• Protection against diarrhoea, gastro-enteritis and tummy upsets
• No constipation, easier to digest
• Less smelly nappies
• Protection against chest infections and wheezing
• Babies are naturally immunized against viruses and infections
• Lower risk of diabetes
• Less eczema
• Better mental development
• Better mouth formation and straighter teeth
• Less chance of baby girl’s developing breast cancer later in life (their risk is reduced again if they go on to be a breastfeeding mother)
• Three times less chance of child obesity by the age of 6

Benefits for Mother:

• Lower risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer
• Lower risk of ovarian cancer
• Faster return to pre-pregnancy figure
• Stronger bones in later life
• You can eat pretty much what you like
• Reduces the risk of diabetes
• Diabetic mothers need less insulin
• Reduces fertility (but doesn’t guarantee it!)
• Ready prepared – no messing about with bottles in the night
• It’s free!