Breastfeeding is the most eco-friendly way to feed a baby. One of the wonderful things about it is that it doesn’t involve any plastic bottles that will end up in landfill one day. Breastfeeding also means no energy is needed to produce plastic bottles and formula milk, no inefficient land use and methane produced by cows, and the only energy used is your own. Forget sterilising paraphernalia, and having to haul bags of feeding equipment around too. Breasts are always there when you need them, and they serve up the perfect food for your baby, at the perfect temperature, no matter where you are or what time it is.

Environmental and convenience advantages aside, there are big health benefits to breastfeeding.

1. The mother’s antibodies will protect the baby from illness.
2. Breastfed babies are less likely to have allergies.
3. Breastfeeding reduces the rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in mothers.
4. Mothers who breastfeed lose weight more quickly after giving birth.

Breastfeeding is natural and most women find it easy to do, but there are times that mothers can do with a little help. Two products that I found to be invaluable while breastfeeding my children were Lansinoh, the only nipple cream that really works for sore nipples, and a super sized nursing pillow that kept me and my babies very comfortable while feeding. These two products are a great investment and will serve you well, even on days when it all seems a bit much, and if you’re a breastfeeding mother, I think you’ll know what I mean.