Benefits of breastfeeding

It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to feed your baby. But you do not have to make up your mind until your baby is born.

In the UK, more than 73% of mothers start breastfeeding. These are some of the reasons why:

  • your breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
  • breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
  • breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
  • breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
  • breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby

Formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness and does not give you any health benefits.

Please go to the full NHS Page for more information. 

Benefits of breastfeeding

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Page last reviewed: 20/04/2022

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