Breastfeeding

Benefits to baby Benefits to Mother

Skin to skin maintains body temperature Increased mother infant bonding

Skin to skin calms the baby as they respond to Increased self esteem and empowerment
the mother’s voice and smell

Colostrum is a thick golden fluid high in Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight,

immunoglobulin A and other immune factors - lower incidence of obesity in later life
passive and non-specific immunity so still need
to vaccinate (active, specific immunity)

Colostrum has a laxative effect that clears the Healthier baby - decreased time away
meconium, and establishes the gut flora (bifidus from work, tending to ill children
flora)

Decreased incidence of infections (respiratory, Mother’s health - decreased incidence of

gastro, ear, urinary infections) ovarian cancer, pre/post menopausal
breast cancer, cervical cancer and post-
menopausal bone fractures

Decreased later development of obesity,

diabetes, asthma, childhood cancer (lymphoma,
leukaemia)

Better dental health

Reduced incidence of sudden infant death

syndrome (since wakeful, lighter sleep)

Increased IQ 8-12 points

Immunisation more effective in breast fed babies

Formula

Benefits of formula Disadvantages of formula

Convenient No immunologic protection (no antibodies)

Can control and monitor Nutrients are absorbed poorly

baby intake
 Easily contaminated

Greater risk of SIDS: deeper, longer sleep

Increased risk for allergic reactions, increased risk of GI,

respiratory infections

Greater financial cost

Discourage prop feeding - miss out on skin-skin feeding and

increase risk of otitis media

Not copies of breast milk - different proteins and fats to breast

milk

Breastfeeding explanation

 Breast pump the breast milk and bottle freeze/refrigerate if convenient

 Breast-feed is best