Health benefits of breastfeeding to you and your baby

Breastfeeding protects your baby's health, not just now, but later on. Research shows that the benefits can last into toddlerhood and childhood. Breastmilk builds immunity to infection, and aids the proper development of the brain. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of:

• gastro-enteritis — vomiting and diarrhoea
  
• ear infections
  
• wheeze when breathing/asthma
  
• eczema, where this runs in the family
  
• developing diabetes in childhood
  
• urinary infections
  
• chest infections.
  

Breastmilk has a special value for pre-term babies who are vulnerable to some very dangerous conditions and infections.

Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of: