Breast milk and breastfeeding can contribute to the optimal health, growth and development of your baby by offering major nutritional, immunological and psychological benefits.

While modern formula milks are always improving, they will never be able to replicate the essential mix of nutrients and immunities that breast milk contains – even the manufacturers of formula admit that breastfeeding is best. In addition, breast milk constantly changes to meet the needs of your baby. If you breastfeed you can be sure that your baby is getting all the nutrients and goodness he or she needs.

Breastfeeding also has many health and psychological benefits for mothers. Many first-time mothers may want to breastfeed their baby but are afraid they won’t be able to or won’t know how. It is natural to be a little apprehensive at first, however, the key to success is confidence and patience, so take time to learn as much about it as you can by attending ante-natal classes and support groups and talking to other breastfeeding mums. The first few days are usually the most difficult but after that it gets easier.

Benefits for baby

While the greatest benefits are gained through exclusively breastfeeding for the first four to six months, breastfeeding for even the first few days after your baby is born will benefit your baby.

The first milk that baby receives when put to the breast after birth is called colostrum. Thick in consistency and yellow in colour, colostrum is a concentrated cocktail of nutrients and immunities that are easily digested and absorbed by your baby's immature digestive system. It also acts as a laxative, helping your baby to expel meconium (sticky green stool) after birth. Colostrum provides all the nutrients your baby needs until your body begins to produce mature milk around the third to fifth day after birth.

As well as optimal nutrition, breast milk also contains antibodies, which will give your baby some natural immunity against disease. Research in Europe, the US and Canada shows that when compared with formula-fed babies, breastfed babies produce enhanced immune responses to polio, tetanus and diphtheria. Breastfed babies also show a decreased incidence of respiratory infections, diarrhoea, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, botulism, urinary tract infections and necrotising entercolitis.

Some studies also suggest that breastfeeding provides a possible protective effect against sudden infant death syndrome, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, allergies, asthma and childhood cancer. Research also suggests that babies, especially premature babies, who have been fed on breast milk develop a higher IQ than babies who were formula-fed.

By encouraging frequent interaction between mother and baby breastfeeding can also enhance the bonding relationship. The act of breastfeeding itself initiates and helps to establish the first human relationship a baby has with another human. Suckling at the breast is also a great source of comfort and security to your baby.

Benefits for mothers

Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. Studies have shown that women who breastfeed their babies return to their pre-pregnancy weight much quicker than women who choose to bottle-feed. Some breastfeeding mothers also experience a greater reduction in hip circumference.

While breastfeeding, you will need an extra 500kcals per day. Your appetite will naturally adjust to meet this increased need for energy but you should take care to eat regularly and choose a wide variety of foods. It is important not to actively restrict your intake in an attempt to lose weight as this may lead to a decrease in your output of milk, as well as leaving you feeling physically exhausted.

Putting your baby at the breast after birth can also help to deliver the placenta more quickly and reduce your risk of postpartum bleeding.

Recent research has also indicated that breastfeeding women have improved bone strength and a reduced incidence of hip fractures in the postmenopausal period. They also have a reduced risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer.

The act of breastfeeding can also strengthen the bond between you and your baby and, although you may have some difficulties getting started, you will have a great sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from it once a routine is established.

From a purely practical level, breastfeeding is the best friend of a tired, busy new mother: it needs no preparation, it is always ready in the right amount and at the right temperature, there are no bottles to sterilise and it is free!