Breastfeeding is widely known to bring huge benefits to both babies and their mums.
Benefits for baby include:
- Better mental development
- Protection against colds, flu and sore throats
- Prolongs natural immunity to mumps, measles, polio and other diseases
- Less chance of developing skin problems
- Less risk of diabetes
- Less smelly nappies
Benefits for mum include:
- Helps reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis in later life
- Helps you get your figure back
However, in Lanarkshire the numbers of new mums who breastfeed their babies remains lower than the Scottish average.
Some mums give up breastfeeding for various reasons and no-one should be made to feel guilty if it is not for you. But if you are thinking about giving up breastfeeding because you are finding it difficult there is help available.
These breastfeeding web pages highlight the NHS Lanarkshire services available to help you breastfeed your baby and the other local and national groups who can provide support and advice.