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Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. It gives your child the best possible start in life. 

Your milk is unique, and it changes:  

  • during each feed 
  • with the time of day 
  • with your diet  
  • with your baby’s needs 

Breastfeeding can also help to reduce a baby's risk of: 

  • Type 1 diabetes 
  • obesity 
  • diarrhoea and tummy bugs 
  • ear infections and chest infections 
  • asthma and eczema 

There are many benefits for those breastfeeding, as well as to their baby and society.  

Breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of: 

  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • breast cancer 
  • ovarian cancer 
  • brittle bones later in life 
  • having heavy bleeding after birth

Breastfeeding benefits society as it:  

  • builds the relationship between mother and child 
  • saves money for NHS 
  • reduces hospital admissions 
  • reduces chances of food insecurity for families 
  • has a positive environmental impact 

How does breastfeeding help the environment

 How does breastfeeding save money

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