Breastfeeding can help you to give your baby the best start in life
Breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life can help to make sure your baby gets the best start because breast milk contains all the nutrients they need and helps protect them from infection and diseases. If you’re able to breastfeed, it can make a positive difference to your baby’s health now and in the future1. It also reduces mothers’ chances of getting certain diseases later in life2.
Breastfeeding also allows for bonding between you and your baby to get closer – physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.
Check out these 8 different breastfeeding positions.
Many people may leak breast milk, especially in the early days of feeding. This usually settles down and although breast pads (nursing pads) are not always essential, they can still be extremely useful for breastfeeding. They are useful for wearing in between feeds, or when you’re feeding, for the non-feeding breast which can leak if the other is expressing.
Nursing pads can also be helpful for when your out and about or if returning back to work and whilst still breastfeeding. It’s worth considering when choosing breast pads and balms for your nipples, to avoid products containing plastic, super absorbent polymers and perfumes.
Useful links
1. Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against: ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, childhood diabetes, eczema, obesity, asthma.
2. Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against: ovarian cancer, breast cancer, weak bones later in life.
