Reasons To Be Proud

A clear description of some of the ways breastfeeding makes a difference to both mother and child

So often women think that breastfeeding is something you need to do for a long time in order for it to make a difference, so why should they start when, for instance, they’re going back to work early, or when they know family commitments will make it difficult to breastfeed for any length of time?

This list by the NCT is one of the clearest illustrations I have found to describe exactly why each day is important.  It’s also one of the best encouragements for women finding it hard, at whatever stage – from finding latching difficult with a newborn to finding it wearing to feed a toddler who’s discovered they can ask for milk…and get it! – and all the stages in between.

Please don’t get me wrong – breastfeeding’s not all work, work, work (a whimsical aside for those of you who remember the NatWest ad!).  But it can be tough and it’s nice to have a reminder of why you’re doing it!

Reasons To Be Proud

First Feed:

For baby – helps to stabilise baby’s blood sugars and protect baby’s gut.

For mother – a great opportunity for the first skin-to-skin cuddle.

1 day:

For baby – the antibodies in mother’s colostrum provide natural immunity from infection.

For mother – helps womb to contract to normal size.

2-3 days:

For baby – sticky black meconium is cleared more readily from baby’s bowel.

For mother – instant relief for hot, swollen breasts when milk comes in.

1 week:

For baby – transition to world outside womb is eased.

For mother – frequent feeds mean time to sit or lie down and for you to get to know each other.

2 weeks:

For baby – food & drink always ready at the right temperature, adapting to the baby’s needs.

For mother – hormones help you to get back to sleep after night feeds.

4 weeks:

For premature babies - lower risk factors for heart disease in later life.

For mother – saves time sterilising and making up bottles.

6 weeks:

For baby – half the risk of chest infections now and up to 7 years old.

For mother - breastfeeding likely to be easier and you can go out and about without bottle feeding equipment.

2 months:

For baby – lower risk of food allergy at 3 years old if breastfed only.

For mother – reduced risk of ovarian cancer in later life.

3 months:

For baby – five times less likely to get diarrhoea now and a reduced risk for the whole year.

For mother – fewer visits to gp as baby is less often ill.

4 months:

For baby – half the risk of ear infections.  Less risk of asthma now and protection continues for up to 6 years.

For mother – feeling of empowerment at having been solely responsible for growing your baby for 4 months.

5 months:

For baby – five times lower risk of urinary tract infections.

For mother – a lovely way to reconnect with the baby if you go to work.

6 months:

For baby – lower risk of eczema now and up to three years old.

For mother – less risk of osteoporosis in the long term.

1 year:

For baby – three times less risk of becoming obese by age six and a lower risk of heart disease as an adult.

For mother – no need to by formula milk at all saving at least £450 this year.

2 years:

For baby – likely to have higher average scores in intelligence tests.

For mother – expect fewer visits to orthodontist when baby is a teenager.  Risk of breast cancer reduced by 8%.

Originally published by the NCT