Breastfeeding is best for babies and good maternal nutrition is important in preparation for and during breastfeeding. Professional advice should be followed on infant feeding. Introducing bottle-feeding, either partially or exclusively, could negatively affect breastfeeding by reducing the amount of breast milk you produce and may be difficult to reverse should you change your mind. Consider the financial and social implications when deciding on a feeding method for your baby. Improper, or unnecessary, use of infant formula can affect the health of your baby, therefore, always prepare and use as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Benefits of breastfeeding:
Breast milk provides optimal nutrition perfectly tailored to your baby’s needs.
It’s natural and easy to digest.
Its protective properties may help reduce the risk of allergies and respiratory illnesses.
Breastfeeding helps bonding between you and your baby, through skin to skin contact.
There are benefits for you too – breastfeeding helps your body recover after the birth, it’s free and is the ultimate convenience food with no preparation or storage required!
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) infant feeding recommendation states that 'breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers.' To read the full WHO infant feeding recommendation click here.