Why should you breastfeed?
There are several reasons why you should give breast-feeding a try…
- Believe it or not, breastfeeding can create a calmer baby as the regular comforting feeling of being held by mum and the skin to skin contact helps alleviate some of the stress caused of being born.
- Breastfeeding stimulates your body to create the maternal hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, which can help you feel relaxed and calm and even make you feel less stressed and more rested even though you’re not getting as much sleep as normal. Breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond between you and your baby.
- Research shows that breastfeeding your baby can help reduce food allergies, eczema, asthma, prolonged colds, childhood cancers, bronchitis, diaper rashes, and many other conditions and so Breastfed babies are healthier.
- Women who breastfeed have lower rates of breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancers, as well as a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis and so are healthier.
- It increases your baby’s IQ. There is some evidence to show that breastfeeding can increase an infant’s IQ, so your baby will be smarter.
- Breastfeeding can help you lose weight more quickly as the increase in prolactin speed up weight loss.
Some mothers find that breast-feeding comes naturally to them, but most find that they do need some help and support as there are times when it can be tough!
Where can you find the help you need?
- A great resource is La Leche, which is an organization who have volunteers that are specially trained to help mothers with breastfeeding problems.
- Ask at your doctors surgery. They often have a nurse who is trained to help new mums.
- Find a lactation specialist or a member of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), or anyone else that is trained to answer questions on breastfeeding.
- Ask your mum if she breastfed herself. You’d be surprised at how much your mum may know.
-If your mum didn’t breastfeed, ask other mothers that have or are breastfeed.ing for advice and find out who they turn to for help.
Above all remember, that if you have tried and still can’t carry on breast-feeding, do not feel disheartened and guilty. Lots of mothers don’t breastfeed and their children still do really well.
The main thing is to have tried. I personally did not have enough milk and could not breast-feed for long and my children who are now teenagers are wonderful, intelligent and loving. I suppose I would say that 
!
