ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at research in terms of studying and quantifying the size of the effect of the advantages to the health of a baby of being breastfed. The Child and Adolescent Health and Development section of the World Health Orginazation states that 'breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants'. Mothers who do not breastfeed at all show an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly pre-menopausal - a reduced risk of 4.3% for each year of breastfeeding. Ovarian cancer risk reduced with any breastfeeding; and the metabolic syndrome as a result of failure to lose excess weight gained during pregnancy. Women who have breastfed are at lower risk of hip fractures and reduced bone density. In addition to individual benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, there are economic savings for the health economy.
