Is breastfeeding necessary?

Nothing is more important for a growing baby than nutrition.

• Breast milk is natural food designed for your baby
• Breastfeeding protects your baby from diseases
• Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for mum
• Its free food that’s available anytime the baby wants
• Its at exactly the right temperature
• It builds a bond between mother and baby

Health benefits of breastfeeding

theguardian.com

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of your child’s life.  After that, you can wean your child into other foods and continue to breastfeed so as to help them grow and develop. Breastfeeding babies;

• have less chance of developing diarrhea and vomiting
• have fewer ear and chest infections
• have less chance of being constipated
• are less likely to become obese later in life.

The longer you breastfeed the better,  but any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial to your baby. Infant formula, does not come close to providing the same immunity protection as breast milk

Breastfeeding for your health

Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby but for mum as well.

• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer
• naturally uses 500 calories daily
• saves money as no sterilization or heating is required
• builds a bond between mum and baby
• exclusive breastfeeding delays the onset of your periods

Misconceptions about breastfeeding

Many stories abound about breastfeeding but most are inaccurate or simply outdated. Lets separate fact from fiction;

• Myth;  its not popular

Fact;  almost 81% of women breastfeed

• Myth;  breastfeeding will make my breasts sag

Fact;  Breastfeeding does not make your breasts sag, aging and weight loss and gain does

• Myth; breast milk and infant formula are basically the same thing

Fact;  Infant formula does not have anti bodies, enzymes, living cells or hormones that protect your baby and helps them to develop immunity from childhood diseases and infections.

• Myth; People don’t like women to breastfeed publicly

Fact; Surveys show that most people don’t mind breastfeeding in public

• Myth;  some women don’t produce enough milk so babies starve while on breast milk only

Fact; Almost all women who give birth are able to breastfeed. It is a learned skill that needs to be practiced. Some women find it harder than others but all women produce enough milk for their baby’s needs.

• Myth; I can’t have a sex life if I’m breastfeeding

Fact; Oxytocin is the hormone that helps you release milk for your baby. This is the same hormone produced when you have sex. It is normal to leak breast milk when having sex

Speak to your health provider before you change from the breast to the bottle.

Have you heard some myths concerning breastfeeding? Please share them with our readers in the comments section.

First published at nhs.uk