Why is breast milk best for baby?
Learn what makes breastfeeding worthwhile
Breastmilk is incredible, multifaceted, and fascinating. It’s been inspiring our research for 50 years. And as we’re able to discover more and more about its composition, more unexpected and amazing properties are being revealed.
The scent of your breast milk prompts your newborn to show searching behaviours. And, amazingly, they can sense and process information contained in your milk.
The skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding is thought to help with bonding, but scientists have also discovered that your oxytocin levels go up while you breastfeed. This is thought to help increase your feelings of love towards your child.
Breast milk is filled with germ-fighting antibodies. It can reduce the risk of developing eczema, asthma, allergies and obesity in later life, while prolonged breastfeeding helps reduce the lifelong risk of heart disease.
Find out more about the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Did you know that boys consume more of their mother’s milk than girls? And amazingly, the breast milk produced for boys contains 25% more calories than for girls.
We still don't know how milk becomes naturally tailored to each baby's needs. In fact, we're only just beginning to understand the subtleties and complexities of breast milk. There's much more research needed, but there is no doubt that breast milk is wonderful.
It's completely normal to find breastfeeding a little tricky at first, but our breastfeeding guide is full of tips and advice to support you every step of the way.
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.
