What are the benefits to breastfeeding?
Breastmilk: why it’s good for babiesExperts say that breastmilk is the natural food for your baby. Here’s why. Show
Breastmilk: designed by nature
Breastmilk: a complete food
Breastmilk: a basis for healthy development
Breastfeeding encourages skin-to-skin and eye contact between you and your baby. Being physically connected can help with bonding between you and your baby. This helps your baby feel secure and can help them form strong relationships as they grow up. Breastfeeding: why it’s good for mothers
Almost all mothers can breastfeed if they have the right information, support and care. Breastfeeding: an informed decisionBreastfeeding has many benefits, but it can take time and patience to learn. It’s good to know that you can overcome most breastfeeding issues with the right support. You and your partner can talk to your midwife or child and family health nurse, or a lactation consultant. You can also get help from an Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) counsellor by phoning the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 or using the ABA LiveChat. If you decide not to breastfeed, it’s good to know that infant formulas give your baby adequate nutrition. And if you need to supplement breastmilk with formula, it doesn’t mean that breastfeeding has to stop completely or forever. How long to feed your baby breastmilkIt’s recommended that you breastfeed exclusively until you introduce solid foods and water at around 6 months. Around this time babies start needing some extra nutrients for growth and development. At first, your baby needs only small amounts of solid food and water. As your baby grows, you can increase the amount according to your baby’s appetite. But breastmilk will still be your baby’s main source of nutrition until they’re at least 12 months old. And you can keep breastfeeding beyond 12 months for as long as you and your child want to. Any breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. Breastfeeding gives your baby a great start to life no matter how long you breastfeed for. Research shows that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers, as well as potential economic and environmental benefits for communities. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition. Among its other known health benefits are some protection against common childhood infections and better survival during a baby's first year,
including a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.1 Research also shows that very early skin-to-skin contact and suckling may have physical and emotional
benefits.2 Other studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk for certain allergic diseases, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It also may help improve an infant's cognitive development. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more specific information about the health benefits of breastfeeding, visit one of the following resources:
CitationsOpen Citations
BACK TO TOP What are the 10 advantages of breastfeeding?Perfect nutrition. Breast milk is the best food to help your baby grow and develop. ... . Protection. Breast milk helps your baby fight off sickness and disease. ... . Brain power. ... . Ready and portable. ... . Size does not matter. ... . Good for mothers too. ... . Builds a special bond. ... . Advantages continue as baby grows.. What are the benefits of nursing your baby?Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding vs pumping?Less mess. Exclusive breastfeeding means not having a lot of bottles or pump parts to clean after each feeding session. Improved milk nutrition. Breast milk nutrients match your baby's needs especially well when your body is interacting with your baby in the close way that breastfeeding requires.
Is breastfeeding actually beneficial?Breastfeeding helps protects babies from many serious health problems. And it keeps on offering protection as they get older. Breastfed babies have: A lower risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than babies who are not breastfed.
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