Breast Feeding

Breast feeding, right from birth provides the best choice and is the perfect food for all babies containing all a baby needs for at least the first 6 months of life.

In order for a mother to support breast feeding she needs to be aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for her baby and herself. She requires a healthy diet to meet her increased nutritional needs. She also needs to be aware that partial bottle feeding may adversely affect breast feeding.

• Parents should always consider the social and financial implications before selecting a method of baby feeding.
• Breast feeding provides the right amount of nutrients needed for baby’s healthy growth particularly in the first 6 months.
• Frequent breast feeding will provide nipple stimulation and help to increase mother’s milk supply to meet the needs of her growing baby.
• Breast feeding transfers antibodies and other protective factors that help protect baby against common infections.
• Breast feeding will help a mothers womb return to normal size and assist in using up the extra fat stored in preparation for making breast milk.