Breastfeeding is best for babies
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Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breast milk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct bottle preparation– failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby.
Information and reassurance from our healthcare professionals

Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest joys and challenges. Our team of healthcare professionals has years of expertise in the field of early life nutrition, and is here to support you and your baby in your journey together from pregnancy through to parenthood and beyond.

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The benefits of breast milk

Overview

Breast milk is best for babies, it is one of Mother Nature's most wonderful creations.

  • c17It meets your baby’s nutritional demands for growth and development, at exactly the right temperature when your baby needs it.
  • As well as being a source of nourishment, it contains numerous immune properties that strengthen the developing immune system of an infant.

The act of breastfeeding itself encourages intimacy, makes your baby feel safe and warm, and gives you both precious time to bond.

Keep reading to find out more about the numerous reasons why breast is considered best. If you could also do with some reassurance or someone to answer your questions call our team of experts including dietitians, a nutritionist, a midwife and of course, mums on 1800 438 500.

 

Read on for more information
Breast is considered best for many reasons: It provides optimal nourishment for your baby and natural goodness along with many benefits.

It is the unique make up of breast milk that provides optimal nutrition to your baby. Below are just a few of the benefits that breast milk provides to your baby.

Meets your babies nutritional needs

The complex composition of your breast milk is constantly changing over time, ensuring your baby is getting optimal nutrition at exactly the right temperature and to meet your baby’s nutritional needs for growth and development. The composition of breast milk not only changes from month to month, but subtle differences also occur throughout the day, and even from the start to the end of a feed.

Breast milk strengthening the developing immune system

An infant is born with an underdeveloped immune system. Breast milk also contains many other non-nutritional components which have been recognised for their biological and physiological properties that help to strengthen the developing immune system. These include antibodies, white blood cells and immunoglobulins.

As well as breast milk providing benefits to your baby, the act of breastfeeding also has benefits too!

Bonding between you and your baby

c6The physical act of holding your baby while they're feeding from your breast is nature's way of encouraging plenty of skin to skin contact and interactions such as talking, eye contact and rocking. This closeness provides comfort and warmth while stimulating your baby's senses of touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste.

When your baby is first born, their eyes are only able to focus on objects around 20-37cm away. Breastfeeding brings you and your baby close so that they can study your features and expressions, learning to recognise you as well as developing essential skills that will gradually improve their sight as well as their attentiveness and concentration. Continued skin-to-skin contact, cuddles and the tactile nature of breastfeeding have been associated with positively influencing the physical, emotional and developmental needs of human babies.

Health benefits for you too

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of a hormone called oxytocin. When your baby first begins suckling, this prompts your milk to start flowing at the same time as contracting your uterus. The contractions help your body recover after birth. The hormone oxytocin also has a positive effect on your emotions; it makes you feel relaxed and content while feeding your baby and makes feeding a comforting experience for both of you.

Breastfeeding is also a natural and easy way to use up some of the fat stores you laid down during pregnancy. Gradual weight loss is always safest and research has shown that mothers who breastfeed are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner, and are more successful in keeping the weight off.

It is important to be aware that breast feeding may also delay the return of your menstrual cycle, which means your iron stores won’t be so low and you’re less likely to get pregnant while you’re nursing (although it’s still possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, so talk with your healthcare professional for more information).

Other advantages to breastfeeding include: it’s free and convenient and easy to transport! It’s always the right temperature and you don’t need to sterilize bottles or teats, and it’s a quick and easy way to offer comfort and support to your baby.

Don't forget we’re here to help you succeed at breastfeeding, so if you're having a tough day and you could do with some reassurance or someone to answer your questions, our team of experts including dietitians, a nutritionist, a midwife and, of course, some of our experts are mums too, so call us on 1800 438 500.

For more advice on breastfeeding, please click here