Importance and Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: Supporting Parents

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, and thereafter continue to be breastfed in combination with suitably nutritious complementary foods for up to two years of age or beyond.

• Decreases post-partum bleeding and rapid uterine contractions
• Fosters baby bonding through the release of oxytocin
• Heals cracked nipples
• May be protective against breast and ovarian cancer
• May reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis in later life
• Is free, making it a cost-efficient way of feeding
• Is convenient – no equipment to sterilise unless expressing
• Is always available, meaning mum can go anywhere at anytime without having to worry
• Helps natural weight loss by burning approximately 500-600 calories a day and speeds up the process of bringing the uterus back to its normal size.
• Delays the return of menstruation
• Motivating for the Mother as she knows that she is giving her infant the very best start in life.

Research in Ireland³ shows that being breastfed for between 13-25 weeks was associated with a 38% reduction in the risk of obesity at nine years of age, while being breastfed for 26 weeks or more was associated with a 51% reduction in the risk of obesity at nine years of age.

• Is easy to digest and provides the perfect balance of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals
• Supports their immune system as it contains antibodies that protect babies from infections and diseases
• Helps protect against ear infections and gastroenteritis
• Decreased risk of Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC)
• May reduce risk of overweight and obesity
• May reduce the risk of Coeliac disease and Crohn’s disease
• May reduce the incidence of allergies such as eczema and asthma
• Is key to better health even later life, including lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a may reduce likelihood of developing diabetes
• Lowers the risk of heart disease in later life
• Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death) and childhood cancers
• Increases his/her intelligence quotient (IQ) – breastfeeding for six months can make big differences to IQ
• Fosters dental health as breastfed babies have straighter teeth and there is less incidence of dental caries