Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding - The Facts

Benefits to the Baby

Babies who are breastfed are less likely to have many illnesses including:

• Gastro-intestinal infections (vomiting and diarrhoea).
• Chest infections
• Urine infections
• Ear infections
• Wheeze when breathing/asthma
• Eczema, where this runs in the family
• Diabetes in childhood
• Obesity

Benefits to the Mother

Breastfeeding has benefits for you, too.

Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of:

• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Hip fracture in later life, caused by bone disease osteoporosis

Breastfeeding uses up many calories and helps you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight. During pregnancy, your body lays down fat stores in preparation for feeding; if you breastfeed, you use them up, helping you avoid the long-term health risks associated with being overweight, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Useful Contacts:

www.breastfedbabies.org/support
www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/breastfeeding
www.babyfriendly.org

The Ulster Hospital is the proud possessor of a UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. All midwives have been fully trained and we have a fully qualified Breastfeeding/Lactation Consultant for anyone who is having difficulties.

Antenatal breastfeeding workshops are held every Wednesday morning from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Please ring our Lactation Consultant for further details on 028 9056 1339.