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