Running from 1st to 7th August is World Breastfeeding Week.

As a way of showing our support for this week we thought it would be useful to share with you just a few of the health benefits of breat feeding!

“By protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding we can all can contribute to each of the MDGs in a substantial way. Exclusive breastfeeding and adequate appropriate complementary feeding are key interventions for improving child survival, potentially reducing deaths among children under five by about 20%. Early and exclusive breastfeeding improves newborn care and reduces neonatal mortality, which contributes to the majority of infant deaths. Breastfeeding has been shown repeatedly to be the single most effective way to prevent infant death; it plays a major role in children’s health and development, and significantly benefits the health of mothers,” notes World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) Chairperson, Dr. Felicity Savage.

The UK’s National Health Service website gives some great bullet points as to why you should breast feed. They argue:-

1) Breast milk is the a natural food is actually designed for your baby.
2) It is a great way of protecting your baby from infections and diseases.
3) Both mother and baby receive health benefits from breast feeding.
4) Whenever you baby is hungry food is ready “on tap”.
5) Babies love it!
6) Creates a bond between mother and baby!

And, of course , it is free!