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Reasons to be proud!

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Sharondp:
I don't usually post on this board as my boys are all done and dusted with breastfeeding - far too soon for my liking :(. I've noticed a few other threads about having to stop BF, and people feeling sad about it, so I'm going to post what helped me when I had to stop. It's from an information leaflet from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), and it tells you the benefits of breastfeeding for both mum and baby - whether you just manage one feed, or carry on for 2 years+, you should be proud that you have given baby the best start in life  :)

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 buy 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%.

 :) :)

Caroline-Charlies Mummy:
I was devastated when we had to stop at 6 months, so thank you :-*

woopster:
That made me cry!  ::)
It's interesting reading.

lilmonkey:
Thank you Sharon.  I used to think that I would be done at 6 mos but now I'm willing to continue as long as ds wants me (or them ;) ).

Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids:
Thats really lovely, i was feeling a bit down this evening (other issues) and that made me smile. Im over 6mths and looking on to a year. :0

Kate x

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