Breastfeeding is important for you and your baby. It is more than just food.
Your breast milk protects your baby against lots of illnesses and conditions. It can give your baby all the nutrients they need.
Breastfeeding is important for bonding with your baby and a great way to comfort them.
Why breastfeeding is important for babies
Your breast milk contains essential enzymes, hormones and antibodies. These are vital for your baby’s normal growth, development and good health.
Breast milk adapts as your baby grows. It changes to meet their needs and protects them from illness.
When you come into contact with a virus or bacteria, your body makes antibodies to protect itself. These antibodies pass into your breast milk so your baby is protected too.
Any bacteria you transfer to your baby in breast milk can help their gut bacteria to develop. This is important for a healthy immune system.
Breast milk is important because it:
- helps to protect your baby from illnesses such as chest, ear and tummy infections
- reduces your baby’s risk of constipation or an upset tummy
- reduces the risk of certain childhood cancers such as leukemia
- can help to reduce your baby’s risk of food allergies
- stimulates your baby's appetite and sleep development
- reduces the risk of obesity for your baby when they are older
Preventing obesity
Breastfeeding can help reduce and prevent obesity.
This is because:
- breast milk contains hormones that help regulate your baby's appetite
- your baby can control the amount of milk they drink and finish feeding when they're satisfied
- breast milk introduces tiny amounts of flavour - this can influence the food choices your baby makes after weaning onto solids
Breastfeeding is a good start in setting up appetite controls in your baby. But many other things also influence your baby as they grow up. For example, lifestyle and nutrition.
Dr Anne Doolan talks about breast milk
Why breastfeeding is important for mothers
Breastfeeding is important for your health and wellbeing too.
Breastfeeding:
- helps your uterus (womb) return to normal size more quickly
- helps you bond with your baby
- reduces your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and diabetes
- saves you time and money
- is convenient - there's no need to carry bottles and formula with you when you're out and about
- is ready when your baby needs it at the perfect temperature with no need to sterilise
- burns calories and may help you regain your pre-pregnancy weight
You can also meet other mothers and share advice at breastfeeding support groups.
Breastfeeding and mental health
Breastfeeding has many positive impacts on your mental health.
It triggers your body to produce hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin.
This helps to:
- reduce stress
- improve your sense of wellbeing
- lower your risk of postnatal depression
Some people find breastfeeding emotionally rewarding.
Why breastfeeding is important for the environment
Breastfeeding is free and has a low environmental impact.
Breastfeeding means:
- little or no waste
- a low carbon footprint
- low use of natural resources such as water
- low pollution caused by packaging and transport
- you can continue to feed your baby in emergency situations - for example, in extreme weather events when food and clean water supplies are limited
Getting help
Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby. It a skill you and your baby learn together. With the right help and support, you can start breastfeeding and continue for as long as you want.
Talk to your nurse, midwife or GP about breastfeeding during your antenatal care.
If you have concerns, your midwife can arrange a consultation with a lactation nurse or midwife.