The First 1000 days of life, from the start of pregnancy to a child’s second birthday are extremely important for a child’s growth and development, and a unique opportunity to provide the best start in life.
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed infants. The Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, strongly supports breastfeeding and encourages mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively (in other words to give breastmilk only) to around 6 months (around 26 weeks), and to support them to continue breastfeeding for as long as they and their child wishes after introducing solid foods. We also support mothers who can’t breastfeed to express their breastmilk and offer this to their babies.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do for your baby’s health and your health too. There are many benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding. Some of these are:
- Breastfeeding helps you and your baby form a close bond, with benefits for your child’s development and your relationship with your child even after breastfeeding has stopped.
- Breastmilk provides everything your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. After 6 months, babies need solid foods as well as milk. However, breastmilk is still important during the first two years of your baby’s life and beyond.
- Breastmilk helps to protect your child against many infections, for example diarrhoea, chest infections, urine infections and ear infections.
- Breastfeeding and breastmilk has benefits when your child is older, even into adulthood. It can help to protect against obesity, cardiovascular disease, and improve IQ and readiness for school.
- Breastfeeding helps to protect you from breast and ovarian cancer, and helps you to lose weight after delivery.
- Breastmilk does not cost anything and is always available.
- Breastfeeding helps protect our environment as there is no packaging or waste, and no power is needed to prepare the milk.
Many mothers have questions about breastfeeding, and need support, particularly in the early days and weeks. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, contact your GP or Health Visitor and ask for support. This page also includes a list of helpful websites, videos and resources which can be accessed free of charge.
Finally, we understand that some women cannot or choose not to breastfeed; we respect this decision and the hospital fully supports parents and infants who are not being breastfed.