Your due date is on the horizon and the butterflies in your stomach have intensified with excitement and slight angst, as your life is about to change forever.
'Should I breastfeed my baby?' - Photocredit: Pixabay
Whether you’re new to the parenting game or have plenty of experience under your belt, deciding on the best feeding technique for you and baby, can be quite daunting.
We constantly hear ‘breast is best’ but with that transpires uncertainty and doubt, particularly if you have never breastfed before or if it feels a little alien to you with your next baby.
Ideally, try to research breastfeeding as much as possible, it’s always reassuring to know what other mums are or were experiencing and being clued up on a topic is never a bad thing. This will provide a solid foundation for your breastfeeding journey and do wonders for your confidence.
If you do decide on breastfeeding your little bundle of joy, then you will find many health benefits for both.
Not only does breastfeeding have long-term benefits but it can help reduce the risk of infections for your baby. As well as this, breastfed babies saw a reduction of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), diarrhoea, vomiting and obesity. Typically, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the protection for baby.
Breastfeeding is also very beneficial to you. Studies have found that women who choose to breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Along with many health benefits, breastfeeding presents the perfect opportunity to bond with your baby. It grants you 1:1 time with your little one and allows you to take time out from the outside world and focus on your new born.
Ultimately, it is your decision, no one else’s. You have to do what makes you feel the most comfortable and have a full understanding of breastfeeding to get the most out of it.
For more information on breastfeeding visit; www.nhs.uk
Benefits of breastfeeding cited from NHS website.
Tagged in Health Breastfeeding Baby