Wednesday 9 January 2008

More Evidence that Breast is Best

More evidence has emerged (Pediatrics, 2008) that breastfeeding for at least 4 months, compared with feeding formula made with intact cow milk protein, prevents or delays the occurrence of atopic dermatitis, cow milk allergy, and wheezing in early childhood.

There are a vast array of other reasons why breast is best for your baby says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy, including having a higher IQ, developing fewer colds, ear infections, gastric infections and pneumonia. Breastfeeding is also best for you as it can help you lose weight more easily – breastfeeding uses up 500 calories a day! It also promotes greater bonding between mum and baby.

Sadly, less than a third of mums in the UK are still breastfeeding at 4 months. One of the key reasons appears to be insufficient milk and that new mums find it too exhausting.

However, optimising your diet during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding may help ensure you have the correct nutrients to provide a plentiful supply of milk and give you enough energy to keep going while your breastmilk flow is established and you and your baby learn how best to breastfeed – this takes around 6 weeks!

I have written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy. To find out more, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2.