Breastfeeding “is one of the most effective preventive health measures for children and mothers regardless of where they live,” says the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative.⁸ A recent Lancet meta-analysis found breastfeeding was associated with the following benefits for infants:⁹

• Protection against child infections and malocclusion (teeth being misaligned)
• Increases in intelligence
• Probable reductions in overweight and diabetes.

For breastfeeding mothers, associated benefits include:

• Protection against breast cancer
• Improved birth spacing
• Possible protection against ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.

However, the study found no associations in infants with allergic disorders, such as asthma, or with blood pressure or cholesterol. The researchers also “noted an increase in tooth decay with longer periods of breastfeeding.”

The Baby Friendly Initiative says: “Prevalence of breastfeeding at six to eight weeks is a key indicator of child health and wellbeing ... evidence-based reports demonstrate the importance of early care, which breastfeeding can facilitate, on brain development and emotional attachment. A baby’s earliest relationships lay the foundation for later developmental outcomes, from academic performance to mental health and interpersonal skills.”¹⁰

In addition, breastfeeding may contribute to longer-term NHS savings. In its advice on commissioning infant feeding services, Public Health England flags up the £48m annual cost to the NHS of treating five illnesses linked to babies not being breastfed – ear infection, chest infection, gut infection, necrotising enterocolitis (gut infection in premature babies), and breast cancer.³