The longer you feed your baby breast milk, the more you help to protect their health
Every day counts - the longer you feed your baby breast milk, the more they benefit
Each day of mum's milk makes a difference to your baby's health
The latest scientific research shows that each day and week that you continue to breastfeed builds up to protect your baby against infections, and strengthens their ability to fight disease.
Each month of breastfeeding lowers the risk of illnesses that can put babies in hospital. Mum’s milk also helps protect babies against becoming overweight or obese, which means they are less likely to develop diseases like diabetes in the future.
It's special
Mum's milk is perfectly and uniquely made for your baby and the longer you give your baby mum's milk the more they benefit.
Giving babies only mum's milk for about six months, and then combining it with solid foods after that, is ideal. And if you express your milk, your partner, or even your family and friends can help with the feeding too.
Top tips for breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding is a great time to get closer to your baby, and it’s also a great chance to sit down and relax which is important for new mums. So grab a magazine or book, have a natter on the phone, or watch something good on TV.
- Once you get the hang of breastfeeding you can express your milk by hand or with a pump, so that your partner or family and friends can feed your baby and give you a break. It also means you can carry on giving your baby mum’s milk if you need to go back to work.
- Breastfeeding mums give their baby lots of liquid, so breastfeeding can make you feel thirsty. Make sure you always have some water next to you when you breastfeed.
- Remember, if you have any questions, or are struggling with breastfeeding there are people who are trained and skilled and there to help you. Ask your midwife or health care professional or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 for further help and advice.