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Benefits
of breastfeeding
There is nothing more healthy and natural for
your baby than breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps
lay the foundations of a healthy life for a baby
and also makes a positive contribution to the
health and wellbeing of mothers.
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Benefits for baby
Breastmilk is easily digested and is free, always
fresh and immediately available. A mother with
a healthy diet provides breastmilk with a perfect
blend of nutrients and protective antibodies (although
it doesn’t replace the need for immunisations).
Breastfeeding helps baby grow and develop physically
and emotionally Breastfeeding and breastmilk helps
protect a baby from chest infections, meningitis,
ear infections and urine infections. Breastfeeding
decreases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death
in Infancy (SUDI). Breastfeeding and breastmilk
may protect a baby from chronic tummy problems
and some childhood cancers - there is also evidence
of a reduced risk of allergies, eczema and asthma.
Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of obesity
and may help reduce the risk of diabetes in baby’s
later life. Back to top
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Benefits for mothers
Breastfeeding helps mothers recover from birth.
Skin-to-skin contact is a wonderful way to start
intimately connecting with your baby and a great
boost to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding reduces
the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer in mothers.
Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer,
osteoporosis and hip fracture in mothers later
in life. Breastfeeding may help mum to lose the
weight gained through pregnancy. Breastfeeding
can be part of a healthier lifestyle for mum.
Back to top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exclusive
breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until babies
are around six months (only breastmilk, from the
breast or expressed, and prescribed medicines
have been given from birth), with breastfeeding
continuing until at least one year or beyond.
Exclusively breastfed infants can meet their fluid
requirements with breastmilk and do not need water
or any other drinks or food until around six months
of age. After around six months of age, exclusive
breastfeeding alone is not enough for baby to
grow and develop – complementary foods (solids)
should be introduced with breastfeeding continuing
until at least one year or beyond. When away from
baby, giving expressed breastmilk to baby is better
than using infant formula. Back to top
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Related information Food and Nutrition
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A Background Paper World Health Organization
breastfeeding information Literature review |
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