Nursery World - If breast is best

Many women are keen to breast feed their child, and your setting can do a lot to support them, writes Julia Wolman Breastfeeding can be a very rewarding and nurturing experience. While there are many nutritional benefits, it also establishes a physical and emotional bond between mother and baby.

Breastfeeding can be a very rewarding and nurturing experience. While there are many nutritional benefits, it also establishes a physical and emotional bond between mother and baby.

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients needed, in the right quantities and in a form that babies can easily absorb. It also provides antibodies and bacteria that help protect against infections and allergies. Some evidence suggests that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of obesity too.

Nurseries have an important role to play in encouraging and supporting mothers to continue breastfeeding. Depending on a baby's age, they may be given expressed breastmilk, formula or cow's milk.

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