Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. It gives your child the best possible start in life.
Your milk is unique, and it changes:
- during each feed
- with the time of day
- with your diet
- with your baby’s needs
Breastfeeding can also help to reduce a baby's risk of:
- Type 1 diabetes
- obesity
- diarrhoea and tummy bugs
- ear infections and chest infections
- asthma and eczema
There are many benefits for those breastfeeding, as well as to their baby and society.
Breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- brittle bones later in life
- having heavy bleeding after birth
Breastfeeding benefits society as it:
- builds the relationship between mother and child
- saves money for NHS
- reduces hospital admissions
- reduces chances of food insecurity for families
- has a positive environmental impact