Plymouth Latch On
Breastfeeding Groups

 

Welcome to the Plymouth Latch On Website

 

Why Breastfeed?

The benefits of breastfeeding for a mother and her baby are not just measured in health terms, but in the pride a mum feels when she looks at her healthy, growing breastfed baby. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.  You and your baby will continue to reap the benefits even after the introduction of solid foods into your babies diet.

Any amount of breastfeeding will have a positive impact on your baby’s health and development.

Just one day of breastfeeding makes a difference to a baby's health by stabilising their blood sugars,
protecting their gut and providing natural antibodies against disease.

Thank GOODNESS for breastfeeding:

 

 breastfeeding bigstock photo

 

skin to skin contact

    Benefits for baby

  • Breastmilk gives your baby all the nutrients she needs
  • Breastmilk is easy for your baby to digest
  • Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from ear, tummy and urinary infections by passing on the mother's antibodies
  • Breastfeeding helps mother and baby to bond both physically and emotionally
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood diabetes or become obese in later life
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from asthma or eczema
  • Breastmilk is available at all times, and is warm, clean and free
  • Breastfed babies benefit from improved neurological and cognitive development

 

    Benefits for Mum

  • Breasfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers
  • Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to suffer from weak bones in later life
  • Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract faster
  • Breastfeeding can help delay the return of your periods
  • Breastfeeding uses up at least 500 calories every day
  • Breastfeeding gives you a special intimate time with your baby
  • Breastfeeding gives you and your baby time to get to know each other

 

 big stock happy toddler

 

big stock multicultural baby

As well as getting you and your baby off to the best possible start, you are also helping the environment too:-

  • Breastmilk does not need to be warmed up, no kettles to boil
  • Breastmilk does not need to be packaged or labelled
  • Breastmilk does not need to be transported miles to reach the consumer

You can do something amazing for your baby, give breastmilk.

 

 

NHS Plymouth
© 2006 plymouthlatchon.org.uk