Cows in a field

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best for babies. As a sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life, it meets all their nutritional needs as Mother Nature intended. Breast milk helps to strengthen your baby’s immune system and provide support to your baby’s developing digestive system. It’s also a wonderful and emotional experience for both baby and mum. This is your time to bond and enjoy getting to know each other!

Toddler in flowered dress being carried

The benefits of breastfeeding for baby

  • It’s completely natural
  • It’s easy to digest
  • It provides the best nutrition for your baby
  • It helps to support their immune system
  • Breastfeeding helps your baby grow!

Breastfeeding is great for mum, too!

  • It’s ready to go when you are
  • It’s exactly the right temperature
  • There’s no need to sterilise bottles
  • It helps to reduce your loss of calcium
  • It helps you bond with your baby
  • It may help to get you back to your pre-pregnancy weight

In preparation for and during breastfeeding, it’s important that mums 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. Also consider the social and financial implications, such as convenience and costs over time. When using infant formula, always follow the instructions for use carefully, unnecessary or improper use may make your baby ill. If you’re thinking about bottle feeding your baby, always seek professional advice first – from your doctor, midwife or healthcare professional.