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.
Breastfeeding

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

Mother

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!

3 thoughts on “Benefits of Breastfeeding”

  1. Am fighting the urge to get defensive. As you know from my blog I had to give up at 3wks & he ended up in hospital. I do blame myself, I always will! Hopefully if/when I have number 2 I will have someone around like you to help me.
    Congratulations on your new role.

    • Oh please don’t feel defensive, I support all mothers and would never say that one is better than the other. For some breastfeeding works, for others it doesn’t – no-one is right, and no-one is wrong we’re all just caring for our babies.
      I know that my breastfeeding page might upset some people but I’m just wanting to help mothers to make an informed decision x

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