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Benefits of breastfeeding

September 6, 2022

Breastmilk is fascinating stuff AND clever too. Did you know that your amazing body instinctively knows what’s best for your baby? Your milk actually changes as your baby grows so they get what they need. We really do need to celebrate this more! 

Better for everyone

When we talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, we are thinking about the mum and the baby, but also the benefits for societies and the planet too. 

What breastfeeding does for you:

  • It lowers your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
  • According to a Lancet report, breastfeeding can prevent an extra 20,000 deaths from breast cancer every year.
  • It reduces stress levels and lowers the risk of postnatal depression.
  • It improves bonding with your baby.
  • It reduces the substantial cost of formula feeding (£15 or more per week on average).

So, in a nutshell, it’s great for your long-term health and your bank balance. Hurrah to all of that!

What breastfeeding does for your baby:

  • It lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The Lancet reports that breastfeeding could save over 800,000 babies’ lives worldwide, that’s a staggering 13% of all deaths in children under the age of two. 
  • It strengthens the immune system, lowers the risk of stomach viruses and reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis.
  • It protects against other illnesses beyond the breastfeeding period, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and childhood cancers.
  • It increases life expectancy and better quality of life.
  • It boosts EQ and IQ.

What breastfeeding does for everyone:

  • It’s better for the planet. With no packaging it’s way more environmentally friendly than formula feeding.
  • It helps reduce environmental harm caused by formula production, like CO2 emissions, landfill waste and water consumption. 
  • It improves the effectiveness of vaccines.
  • It provides financial savings on mothers’ and babies’ healthcare, for both governments and families.
  • It reduces insurance premiums for both parents and employers.
  • It reduces absenteeism from the workplace.
  • It has long-term benefits from more intellectually and emotionally developed children.
  • A UNICEF report states that breastfeeding contributes towards the achievement of many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Plus, it’s so handy, and available on tap everywhere you go at the perfect temperature!

BUT it doesn’t always come naturally

Breastfeeding is a difficult skill to master. For some parents and babies, it becomes extremely stressful and painful. The Anya app has been developed to provide expert information, guidance, and advice to help new mums anytime, anywhere. We’re here for you to #AskAnya, 24/7. Together we nurture.

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