Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
The evidence for the short and long term health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are well documented.
- Better mental development - brain growth accelerated in premature babies who are breastfed
- Protection against colds, flu and sore throats - colds, flu and sore throats are even more hurtful to your baby, who doesn't understand. Avoid this distress
- Better jaw development and straighter, healthier teeth - because of suckling motion of baby's jaw when breastfeeding compared to bottle feeding
- Protection against diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and tummy upsets - the antibodies in breastmilk help reduce the incidence of these conditions
- Lower risk of diabetes - breastfeeding protects babies from inheriting the disease
- Protection against ear infections - breastfed babies are less likely to get ear infections
- Lessens chances of eczema and other allergies - Bottle-fed babies have a 35% higher chance of skin problems than breastfed babies
- Prolongs natural immunity to mumps, measles, polio and other diseases - all in all, wouldn't you like to lessen the chances of your baby developing any of these?
- Protection against chest infections and wheezing - for babies who only have breastmilk for first 15 weeks
- Less smelly nappies - because there is no waste the baby absorbs all the food