Why breastfeeding is good for both of you
Breastfeed and protect yourself against breast cancer is the surprising message from the World Cancer Research Fund.
We all know that breastfeeding is good for the baby, but most of us don't realise that it's also really important for the mum.
Three 3 in 4 women don't know about the breast cancer link, while 2 in 3 don't know that breastfeeding cuts a child's chances of becoming overweight, which is a major risk factor for cancer.
The advice comes from the World Cancer Research Fund, following a survey of nearly 2,000 people. They also discovered that only 13% of men know that breastfeeding could cut a mum's risk of getting breast cancer.
And the experts are desperate to encourage women to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of a baby's life and then continue once weaning starts.
'New mothers are making choices about whether to breastfeed without knowing it can help reduce cancer risk for them and their child,' said Lucie Galicie from the World Cancer Research Fund.
More help and advice
- Breastfeeding myths explained
- A guide to breastfeeding
- What to eat when you're breastfeeding
- Two mums give their tips on coping with breastfeeding
- Get all the facts on breast cancer
- Chat about breastfeeding with other mums
By Rob Mansfield
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mrs. emma, 5 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
my comment or contribution to mum here is that, they should try as much as possible to breastfeed their babies because it is very helpful to both the mum and the babies. for example, breathfeeding develop babies's brain, and it create special love between the mum and her baby, the baby can not easily be contacted to any sickness anyhow unlike other babies that are feeding on feeling bottle. and also the mum too will not be overweight and we not take in easy(optional) pregnant, that is to say, depend on our body system. i'm talking from experience, my does not caught cool easily like that. so my advice to every mum is that, they should try as much as possible, is not easy but you can do it if only you are determine to. please, mum help yourself and your babies. if you determine to do it, God will help you to do it, and you will enjoy it. thanks. sirah.