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Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs for healthy development in the first stages of their life, and also gives them both short and long-term health advantages. But it isn't the only way to feed your baby, and you may prefer to bottle-feed.

Benefits of breastfeeding for babies

Breast is best for your baby because:

  • breast milk is natural - it's the food specifically designed for your baby
  • breast milk changes as your baby grows so they get exactly what they need
  • breastfeeding helps protect your baby from infections because antibodies are passed into the milk
  • it is recommended for the first six months of your baby's life as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs
  • breastfed babies are five times less likely to be admitted to hospital with infections such as gastroenteritis and respiratory infections
  • it helps to avoid constipation in your baby
  • breastfed babies are less likely to get allergies like eczema
  • breast milk contains growth factors and hormones that help your baby develop
  • breastfed babies are less likely to become obese in later childhood

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers

Breast is best for mothers because:

  • it is free
  • there is no need to sterilise bottles, prepare feeds or keep your baby waiting
  • you can do it anytime, any place, anywhere
  • it is a lot easier than bottle-feeding in the middle of the night
  • your womb will return to normal size more quickly
  • you will use up more calories
  • breastfeeding reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer

If you have problems with breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a skill and all new skills need practice. If you want to breastfeed and are finding it difficult, you could ask your midwife for advice or see a breastfeeding counsellor. Alternatively, the NHS Choices breastfeeding website has tips on how to breastfeed and a list of helplines.

Bottle-feeding

Bottle-feeding may seem like hard work at first, but if you get into a routine you'll be able to relax and enjoy feeding.

One advantage to bottle-feeding is that fathers and carers can feed your baby and give you a bit of a break. You can use formula or you could express breast milk for your baby to have. You could also use a combination of both expressed breast milk and formula. All of these options would give the nutrition your baby needs.

Remember:

  • make sure all your equipment is properly sterilised - you can make your baby ill if the bottle is dirty
  • always follow the instructions on the formula packet - do not pack the formula down or be tempted to add more formula than is recommended
  • always test the temperature of the milk and don't heat it in the microwave - you may scald your baby's mouth

Soya formula, free infant formula

Soya formula should only be given to babies who are allergic to cow's milk and only under your doctor's advice. You may be entitled to free infant formula milk under the Healthy Start scheme.

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