What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding gives your baby the very best start in life. As well as providing all the energy and nourishment they need, it helps strengthen their natural defences. But it’s not just your baby who benefits from breastfeeding, you will too. This article will tell you more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding – the benefits for your baby

Breast milk is perfectly balanced to suit your baby. It is easy for them to digest and contains antibodies which help support their growing immune system. It also contains nutrients called prebiotic oligosaccharides, which the friendly bacteria in your baby's tummy feed on. These bacteria then help to fight off bugs and potential infections, helping your baby to grow up happy, healthy and ready for anything! And it even contains fatty acids that help your baby’s brain develop!

Why breastfeeding is good for your baby

• It's completely natural.
• It contains all the nutrients and antibodies they need.
• Breastfeeding can help to protect your baby from chest and ear infections and some allergies, like asthma and eczema.
• Research also suggests that breastfed babies go on to have healthier blood pressure as children and are less likely to become obese adults.

Why breastfeeding is good for you

• Breast milk is free and it's always at exactly the right temperature!
• When you're breastfeeding, your body releases oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, to help you and your baby bond.
• Mums who breastfeed reduce their risk of developing pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer and fractures from osteoporosis.
• Breastfeeding helps your uterus return more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size and might help use up any extra pounds you may have gained during pregnancy, helping you get your figure back more quickly!
• Breast milk is readily available, whenever and wherever you are, there’s no need to sterilise bottles.