As the saying goes, 'breast is best'. Therefore Kamillosan believe that mums should be encouraged to breastfeed for as long as possible. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months as breastmilk contains nutrients for the baby's growth and immunity. Not only are there benefits for both mum and baby, but breastfeeding is much more than just a way of feeding your baby milk. It provides the emotional and psychological stability your baby needs to become self confident, relaxed, independent and secure.

According to the Baby Friendly Initiative:

• Gastro-intestinal infection
• Respiratory infections
• Necrotising enterocolitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Ear infections
• Allergic disease (eczema and wheezing)
• Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• Sudden infant death syndrome
• Childhood leukaemia

Breastfed babies may have better:

• Neurological development

Women who have breastfed are at lower risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Hip fractures and bone density

Breastfeeding may also provide protection against (more research needed):

• For the infant
• Multiple sclerosis
• Acute appendicitis
• Tonsillectomy
• For the mother
• Rheumatoid arthritis

For further information, visit the www.babyfriendly.org.uk

It is also well known that breastfeeding can help you to lose the extra weight your body gained during pregnancy!