Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding basics - South West Health

For baby
• Your baby has a lower risk of ear infections,
respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and
vomiting.
• Your baby will rarely be constipated, because
breastmilk is easy to digest.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is less
common in breastfed babies.
• Breastmilk has many flavours, depending on
what you eat. This prepares your baby for
later food.
• A type of fat in breastmilk, which is not in
formula, helps your baby’s brain develop
well.
• Breastfeeding helps your baby to bond with
you.
• Your child has a lower risk for childhood
diabetes. The health benefits continue into
adulthood, with lower risk of high
cholesterol, asthma, and breast cancer.
Almost all babies can be
breastfed babies.
For everyone
• Breastfed babies smell “sweeter” than
bottlefed babies. Their bowel movements,
and any milk that they may spit up, are mildsmelling
because breastmilk is so well
digested.
• Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly,
producing less waste and using fewer
resources than any other method of infant
feeding.
The best thing, though, is the sheer joy of
it. Breastfeeding is natural, healthy, and
wonderful. You will probably have many
questions about breastfeeding. This booklet
gives some basic information. There is much
more information available and many people
to help you. If you have concerns about
anything, be sure to get help as soon as you
need it. Breastfeeding is a great time for you
and your baby to learn about each other.