Breastmilk is best for baby and mom

Baby

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients that your baby needs in his early life: protein to help him grow; carbohydrates as a main source of energy; fat for eye and brain development and more energy; water for hydration; and vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium. Breastmilk is also digested very easily.

Breastmilk is full of antibodies that strengthen your baby’s immune system. The immune system protects your baby from infection and illness, and continues to develop while you continue breastfeeding. Breastfed babies are less inclined to suffer from allergies and are less prone to obesity later in life.

Breastmilk is always the exact right temperature for your baby. Breastmilk’s consistency adapts as your baby’s nutritional needs change with age.

WHAT STOPS WOMEN FROM NURSING?

• Lack of education about the advantages of breastfeeding

• Lack of support at work

• Lack of support from family and friends or the larger community

• Hiv-positive moms fear that they will transmit the virus to their babies

Mom

Breastfeeding helps you shake off pregnancy weight. Producing 800ml breastmilk per day, you burn 2 856 kilojoules. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastfeeding also helps reduce your long-term risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.

According to the WHO breastfeeding can help protect you against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and breast cancer. It’s literally good for you.

Breastfeeding is cheap and convenient. The only equipment you need is your breasts. No bottles and teats to prepare and clean!