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%.
