Fact Files : Why Breast Feed?

Breastfeeding provides the correct food for your growing baby

• The composition of breast milk is specially suited to the requirements of the infant. It contains the correct proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates and minerals as well as supplying fatty acids, lactose, water and amino acids needed for digestion, brain development and growth.
• A baby’s digestive system is not fully developed at birth and so breast milk is easily digested and absorbed by infants.

Breastfeeding protects baby from illness and infection

• The colostrum and the following breast milk contain important factors such as enzymes and antibodies which help protect infants from infections.
• Fatty acids occurring in a unique combination in breast milk promote healthy brain development and intelligence.

Breastfeeding aids development of baby’s eyesight, jaw, speech and intelligence

• Sucking at the breast during breastfeeding promotes baby’s aw development. It is harder to get milk from a breast than a bottle. This jaw exercise helps encourage the growth of straight healthy teeth.

Breastfeeding promotes a loving bond between mother and baby

• Breast feeding can be a very rewarding and relaxing experience for both mother and baby. Many mothers feel that breast feeding brings them closer emotionally to their baby.

Breastfeeding is healthy for mother

• Breastfeeding encourages uterine contractions after childbirth helping the uterus to return more quickly to its normal size. This helps to reduce blood loss in the post natal period.
• Weight gain during pregnancy also accounts for extra fat deposits for energy use during milk production. Breastfeeding during the first few months of baby’s life can therefore help in weight reduction and returning mother to her pre-pregnancy shape.

Breastfeeding can be handy and cheaper

• Due to breast milk being of the right temperature, consistency and always being on hand providing mother is present, it may be easier on the nursing mother.
• There is no need to sterilise bottles and teats, buy and make-up formula milk or carry bottles and equipment when the family goes out. It is cheaper for the mother to eat extra food to produce breast milk rather than bottle feed.
  

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