Benefits of Breastfeeding

As someone who is passionate about breastfeeding, I see it as the natural, normal way for a baby to be fed. The more I learn about breastfeeding, the more amazed I am at how fantastic it actually is.
Now for some women breastfeeding comes easily and for others the problems seem endless. So while I would encourage every mum to breastfeed, and get reliable breastfeeding help when you need it, your decision to breastfeed through problems needs to be based on what you feel is best for your and your family. Breastfeeding certainly isn't the be all and end all of good parenting.
If you are expecting a baby, trying to decide how to feed or not sure what to think, here are just some of the benefits of breastfeeding.
For Baby

• As your baby grows, your breast milk changes too so that your baby gets exactly what they need at every feed.
• The antibodies that your body makes to fight any illness you contract get passed onto your baby through your breast milk. Amazing hey!
• Your breast milk contains all the protein, fats, nutrients, salts and sugars, antibodies and antibacterial agents that your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. It's actually recommended by the World Health Organisation that breastfeeding continues to at least 2 years of age.
• Your breast milk will protect your baby from bowel and lung illnesses, infection and gastroenteritis.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to have middle ear infections and eczema.
• Because of the way babies are held and the way their tongues and mouths work when milking the breast, breast fed babies have better speech, eyesight and jaw development than formula fed babies.
• Babies who are formula fed also have a higher chance of developing juvenile diabetes, and childhood cancers.

For MumUsually when people talk about breastfeeding, it's common to think of its benefits in terms of the baby, but breastfeeding can do so much for mums as well.

• Breastfeeding reduces your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis, and the longer you breastfeed the better your protection.
• Breastfeeding helps your uterus and your body recover from the stress of carrying and delivering your baby.
• Hormones released while breastfeeding helps to relax you and your baby, making it easier to put your baby to sleep.
• Breastfeeding delays the return of your menstrual cycle. Music to my ears!
• Baby vomit and poopy nappies smell sweet rather than disgusting.
• Breastfeeding is free, on tap, and doesn't need warming up or sterilizing. Breast pumps and bottles that carry breast milk don't need to be sterilized because breast milk contains anti bacterial agents.
• Breastfeeding saves money in doctors and hospital bills, medicines and time off work looking after sick babies.

To be able to breastfeed your precious baby is a wonderful feeling. Yes it can be painful, confusing and stressful... but tell me what aspect of parenting isn't.
Any hurdles are usually temporary, natural and perfectly normal. So please give breastfeeding a real try and find the right support when you need it. I'm sure you will be happy that you did.

Lorraine Cuadro volunteers her time to help new and experienced mums to breastfeed. As a mother of two she has had to deal with her own breastfeeding issues and can relate to what other mums go through. Her passion for breastfeeding is supported by her current role as a breastfeeding counsellor.