This information is available and taken from Baby Buddy app, verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

                                                

Most mums decide to breastfeed, because breastmilk is the perfect food for babies and the only one that protects them from illness. Doctors say that breastmilk is the only food a baby needs for about the first six months, and after that it's great to carry on breastfeeding as well as giving them solids.

Here are just a few reasons why breastfeeding is so good for babies:

• less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and having to go to hospital as a result
• fewer chest and ear infections and having to go to hospital as a result
• less chance of being constipated (painful doing a poo)
• less likely to become obese and develop diabetes and other illnesses later in life
• less likely to develop eczema.

And here are just a few reasons why breastfeeding is so good for mums:

• breastfeeding burns up 500 calories a day
• when you breastfeed, your body releases a “love” hormone (oxytocin) which helps you feel happier and less stressed
• no bother with sterilising bottles and making up feeds
• the milk is free, always at the right temperature and never runs out
• breastfeeding protects you against getting some cancers
• breastfeeding protects you against having brittle bones when you're older.

To find out more, check out these videos.