Breastfeeding helps to protect your baby from infection because antibodies are passed into the milk. Your baby will be less vulnerable to coughs and colds and other infections than bottle- fed babies. If you breastfeed for the first three to four months, this protection can last for up to a year. Breast milk is easily digested and absorbed and is less likely to cause stomach upsets or diarrhoea. It will also help to avoid constipation in your baby.
Breastfed babies are less likely to get allergies like eczema, for example.
Breast milk contains growth factors and hormones to assist your baby s development. As one mother said, It was feeling close, and being together, that was what I liked , but there are other benefits too. Breast milk costs nothing. There s no need to prepare feeds or wash and sterilise bottles. Your baby isn t kept waiting for a feed.