Breastfeeding:
Good for Baby, Good for Mum

Breastfeeding is a natural part of having a baby and breast milk is a baby's natural first food.

Exclusive breastfeeding - that is, just breastfeeding without any other drink or food - can provide a baby with all the nutrients he/she needs for the first six months of life, and continuing to breastfeed after the first six months has ongoing benefits.

Breast milk is designed for babies and is always fresh, clean and safe to consume. It is easy for a baby to digest and can help to prevent gastrointestinal problems such as tummy upsets, constipation or diarrhoea.

Breast milk also contains important antibodies which build up a baby's immune system and help to protect a baby from a range of illnesses and diseases.

Breastfeeding may even help to prevent a baby from developing allergies, including allergies to some foods, particularly if breastfeeding continues for more than six months when a baby starts to eat a range of solid foods.

As well as the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding also contributes to the optimal growth and development of a baby's brain, mouth and jaw, speech and eyesight.

Longer term benefits of breastfeeding throughout infancy, childhood and into adulthood include: better general health, and lower rates of blood pressure, cholesterol, overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence to suggest that people who were breastfed as babies perform better in intelligence tests.

In addition to the short and long term benefits of breastfeeding for babies, there are also significant benefits for mothers who breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is a nurturing activity and from the time of birth it can be an important part of mother - baby bonding. This is added to by the confidence a breastfeeding mother can have in knowing that she is providing her baby with the best nutritional and developmental start in life.

Other benefits

Other benefits of breastfeeding for breastfeeding mothers include:

  • It is an inexpensive and convenient form of feeding.
  • Potential delay in the return of menstruation (periods) and fertility (although it should not be used as a contraceptive).
  • Faster return to pre-pregnancy physical shape.

Longer term benefits for women who breastfeed include a reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding - good for baby, good for mum