The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is biologically normal, however babies are expected to latch on with ease but in reality this is not the case. It can be a difficult choice for mums too, as they can feel pressured into feeling they have to — so we've listed the benefits and the discouraging aspects that may not always be discussed.

Benefits of breastfeeding

• No cost and easy availability — Breastfeeding is free, doesn't need to be heated, and is readily available whenever the baby needs to feed.
• Bonding — A strong physical bond can be formed between mother and baby, as well as emotional bonds.
• Nutrition — Colostrum (milk produced at the end of pregnancy and in early breastfeeding) is high in concentrated nutrition for newborns, and has a laxative effect on the baby.
• Protection in childhood — As well as containing all the nutrients a baby needs in the first 6 months of life, breast milk is packed with antibodies that protect from illnesses.
• Protection into adulthood — Breastfeeding's protection lasts beyond the breastfeeding stage. Antibodies in breast milk can give a baby's immune system a boost, protecting from childhood and adult illnesses including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also evidence that people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests.
• Weight loss — There are health benefits for the mother as well, including up to 500 calories being used per day, which helps in getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. Breast and ovarian cancer risks are also reduced.

Discouraging aspects of breastfeeding

• Pain — Breastfeeding can be painful for mums and lead to sore or bleeding nipples.
• Latching on and attaching — New mums sometimes find that their baby doesn't latch on or attach as easily as they would expect. This can lead to feelings of failure or rejection for the mother.

What the World Health Organization recommends

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
• Breastfeeding should begin within an hour of birth
• Breastfeeding should be on demand, as often as the baby wants, day and night
• Bottles and pacifiers or dummies should be avoided

Why more support is needed

Watch: the key things to know when supporting families with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is being pushed on an "all or nothing" basis, which fails to take account of the wider needs of families and of the women themselves.

In a report by the Independent, few mothers succeed in breastfeeding for the full 6 months. In the UK, 82% of mothers start breastfeeding, however two-thirds stop within six months, with only 1% of babies being exclusively breastfed at 6 months. The benefits are well established and understood. Breastfeeding is being pushed on an "all or nothing" basis, which fails to take account of the wider needs of families and of the women themselves — so it is clear that more support and information is needed.

For more tips, you can read BabyCentre's "What I wish I'd known about breastfeeding" article, where real mums give their advice about breastfeeding.

If you're still unsure of whether breastfeeding is for you, speak to your midwife or health visitor for more information and support, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.