Why breast is best for your baby
- Breast milk is made up of the exact mix of proteins and nutrients your baby needs
- It’s full of antibodies giving your baby added protection against infection
- It reduces the risk of asthma, eczema and other allergies
- It’s sterile
- It’s easy to digest
- It’s available on demand at exactly the right temperature
It’s best for Mums too:
- Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby
- It reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer
- It helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and prevents post partum haemorrhages
- It’s convenient. Breast milk comes ready prepared, so you don’t need to spend time sterilising bottles
- Helps return you to pre-pregnancy size
- It’s free
Bottle-feeding
However, not everyone wants to or is able to breastfeed. In this case, it’s good to know that infant formula contains all the nutrients your baby needs.
Deciding for yourself
Your midwife or doctor will be able to give you lots of information to help you make up your mind for yourself. It’s also good to talk to friends and family with babies about their experiences of feeding.
If you’d like more information, you can call the SMA Careline on 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK), 1800 931 832 (ROI).
