Whether you breastfeed your baby once, one day, one week, one month or a year you can be proud of the benefits you give him or her.

Reasons to be proud:

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Just one feed helps to stabilise baby’s blood sugars and provides a first immunisation.

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After 6 weeks your baby has half the risk of chest infections now and until he is 7 years old.

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After 2 months your baby will have lower risk of food allergies when he reaches 3 years of age.

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After 4 months your baby has half the risk of ear infections, is 5 times less likely to go into hospital with diarrhoea, has a reduced risk of asthma and the protection continues for the next six years.

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After 6 months your baby has a lower risk of eczema until she is 6 years old.

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Breast milk is the best food for babies because it:

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Is a complete food containing everything needed for the first half year of life

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Satisfies both hunger and thirst, extra water is not needed

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Increases a baby’s resistance to infection and disease, protecting against diarrhoea, meningitis, pneumonia, Urinary Tract Infections, respiratory illnesses, and ear infections.

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Provides protection from chronic diseases including crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hodgkin’s disease, insulin dependent diabetes, and childhood lymphomas

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Lessens the risk of allergy and food intolerance

Breastfeeding is good for mothers too because it:

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Is always convenient, cheap and always there when you need it

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Is always fresh clean and safe

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Quickly soothes a fussy, unhappy baby

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Helps your uterus return to normal sooner after childbirth

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Uses approximately 500 calories per day, helping you get back down to your pre pregnancy size.

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Reduces future risk of osteoporosis and pre menopausal breast cancer

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Gives you a chance to sit down during the day and rest as you breastfeed

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Allows you to spend time with your baby

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Less time taken off work in future caring for sick children

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Makes you feel good because you know you are giving your baby the best possible start

Breastfeeding helps create a close and loving bond between you and your baby and can be a deeply satisfying experience for you both.