Breastfeeding
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you're going to feed your baby. Today, most women in England are choosing to breastfeed.
- Breast milk is the only natural food designed for your baby.
- Breast milk provides health benefits for your baby.
- Breastfeeding provides health benefits for mum.
- It’s free.
- It’s available whenever and wherever your baby needs a feed.
- It’s the right temperature.
- It can build a strong physical and emotional bond between mother and baby.
- It can give you a great sense of achievement.
Health benefits for your baby
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding (giving your baby breast milk only) is recommended for around the first six months (26 weeks) of your baby's life. After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside other food will help them continue to grow and develop.
Breastfeeding is good for babies as babies have:
- Less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and having to go to hospital as a result
- Fewer chest and ear infections and having to go to hospital as a result
- Less chance of being constipated
- Less likelihood of becoming obese and therefore developing type 2 diabetes and other illnesses later in life
- Less chance of developing eczema
Any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.
Health benefits for you
Breastfeeding doesn’t only benefit your baby. It benefits your health too. Breastfeeding is good for mums as it:
- Lowers your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer
- Naturally uses up to 500 calories a day
- Saves money – infant formula, the sterilising equipment and feeding equipment can be costly
- Can help to build a strong bond between you and your baby
For more information about breastfeeding support please call HomeStart on 0161 344 0669.
Breastfeeding advice about sore or cracked nipples
Breastfeeding – is your baby getting enough milk?
Case Studies
Local mum celebrates the joys of breastfeeding
