Breastfeeding Awareness Week: 10th - 16th May 2009

Breastfeeding awareness week begins today. Most people now know that breastfeeding is better for baby than formula feeding, though perhaps not aware of all of the benefits. We also know that lots of Mums want to breastfeed, but for one reason or another either can't or don't want to. We are not going to preach, and don't want to make anyone feel like a bad Mum for not breastfeeding, but we do want to make sure that you have all of the information and can use this to make informed choices and to get the help you need to help you achieve your baby feeding goals. Over the following week, we will write a series of articles to help you.

Today we are looking at the Benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them against ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, childhood diabetes, eczema, obesity and asthma. It also reduces mothers' chances of getting ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life.

Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.

Formula feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breastmilk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help them grow and develop. Also, formula feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases.

As an added bonus, women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.

In our next breastfeeding article we look at how you should breastfeed, the position of you and baby, signs that baby is feeding well and how to know if they are getting sufficient milk. Subsequent articles will review common breastfeeding problems and how to recognise and resolve them, and where you can turn for practical help.