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Home > Breastfeeding > To Breastfeed or not to Breastfeed?
 To Breastfeed or not to Breastfeed?
Much promotion is done to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mother and baby. However breastfeeding is not as straightforward as one may assume and requires support especially in the first few weeks before mother and baby learn how to make the best of it. Breastfeeding needs to start as soon as the baby is born, so the decision to breastfeed or not needs to be taken beforehand. Here are a few tips to help you make the correct decision:
Benefits of Breastfeeding and Advantages over Formula feeding:
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It is the healthiest option for baby: Breastmilk is just right for your baby. It is what nature intended for the newborn. WHO recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Breastmilk provides protection from infections, illnesses and allergies. Various studies worldwide have confirmed this.
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Breastfeeding is healthy for the mother: It is recommended that women breastfeed for at least 12 months in their life, as studies have shown that this reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
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Breastfeeding is a natural form of contraception: Exclusive breastfeeding delays fertility after the baby is born. Parents shouldn’t rely on this only though for family planning, as the menstrual cycle could start off again at anytime.
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Breastfeeding helps the mother to lose weight: Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers get back to their pre-pregnancy weight quicker than non-breastfeeding ones.
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Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract more quickly and effectively.
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Breastfeeding is economical: Formula milk costs money while breastmilk is free. Breastfed babies get ill less, therefore helping parents to spend less on medical expenses too.
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Breast milk is always fresh and available as long as the mother is around: There is no need to carry bottles, formula, hot water and cold water if you are breastfeeding. All the mother needs is herself.
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Breastfeeding is on demand: babies who are breastfed tend to go for small quantities of milk at short intervals. This promotes an optimal feeding pattern that can be carried on later on in life, reducing the risk of obesity.
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Breastmilk is always appropriate for the baby: Breastfeeding mothers need not worry about having to change the formula milk as it is constipating the baby, or increasing colic, or any other problem.
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Nappies are more pleasant: Breastmilk is nearly all absorbed by the baby’s body, leaving only little waste for the nappy. Nappies of breastfed babies smell less unpleasant than those of bottlefed babies.
Remember that at Mater Dei there is a breastfeeding clinic with professionals who can give you support and practical advice on your breastfeeding problems. There is no charge for this, and the clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Direct Telephone Number is 25454445.
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