Why breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is quite simply the best way to feed your baby, giving your child the best possible start in life. Your milk is produced for your child, whereas formula is designed for every baby and therefore cannot adapt to your child’s specific needs in the way that breast milk can.

Breastfeeding has countless benefits, for you and your baby. Not only does it help you build that very important bond with your child, both physically and emotionally, but it also has many associated health benefits too.

Your breast milk is full of nutrients, enzymes and antibodies, which are passed to your baby through breastfeeding. These antibodies can protect your baby from many illnesses including ear, chest, gut and urine infections, as well as from diabetes, eczema, and asthma, which is why breast milk alone is enough to feed your child for the first six months of his life.

On top of all of this, breastfeeding is free, convenient and very fulfilling once you have learnt the basic skills. Your breast milk is always available, always at the right temperature and always contamination-free. There is no need to sterilise bottles or prepare formula; you are able to feed your baby wherever and whenever he is hungry… Why wouldn’t you breastfeed?

Emma Harkin, Local GP
07 April 2010
Emma shares her thoughts on why women should breastfeed

Laura Blythe (18)
Leanne tells us her views on why you should breastfeed

Jazz Cawthorne (20)
Jazz, tells us why she breastfeeds her baby Reuben-Jay.