Benefits of breastmilk
If you’re able, breastfeeding is best for your baby — providing benefits beyond just nutrition for your little one.
How breastmilk
benefits your baby
Breastmilk is best for babies, with substantial benefits
-
- It’s a complete food source. It provides all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development during the first six months of life.
- It’s easy for most babies to digest and absorb.
- Breastmilk boosts babies’ immune systems, supporting their growth and development. It contains antibodies and good bacteria that help to protect babies from various infections.
But there are even more reasons why breastfeeding is best for your baby and for you.
Breastfeeding:
benefits for both
mum and bub
Adapting to growth
During their first year, babies grow faster than at any other time during their lives. Your breastmilk supports this rapid growth and is constantly changing to meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Special bonding
Breastfeeding is a precious opportunity to connect with your baby. Those moments of skin-to-skin contact help strengthen the bond between you and your little one, which is important for their emotional development.
Healthy mum and bub
Breastfeeding can help some mothers lose weight after birth. It’s also linked to lower rates of certain health problems in both mums and bubs.
How long should I breastfeed for?
Experts advise that exclusive breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby for around six months. After that, they recommend introducing solids at four to six months while continuing to breastfeed until your baby is about a year old.
How long you breastfeed is up to you and your baby. If you stop breastfeeding before your baby is a year old, make sure they get enough nutrients from other foods to support healthy growth and development.
While breastfeeding has many advantages, it doesn’t always work out for every mum.
If you’re considering infant formula, here are some important points to keep in mind:
Consult with professionals
Always speak with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about changing your baby’s feeding. They can provide tailored advice based on your situation.
Focus on nutrition
Good maternal nutrition is important for nutritious breastmilk. Eating a balanced diet will support both your health and milk production.
Be cautious with formula feeding
Introducing formula too soon may make breastfeeding more challenging. Once you start using formula for feeding, it can be difficult to return to exclusive breastfeeding if that’s your goal.
Financial commitment
Consider the financial implications of purchasing formula until your baby is one year old.
We encourage all mums to explore breastfeeding as their first option if possible. However, if you find yourself needing to consider formula, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.
For more information or advice about breastfeeding, visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Understanding conditions that may impact on feeding habits
Even with the best nutrition and care, many infants have conditions or needs that may impact their everyday feeding habits during the early years of life. Find out more about the possible causes and tips on how to manage these conditions.
Browse our articles
more articles
Starting solids
Introducing solids to your baby can be an exciting milestone for both you and your little one. However, it’s sometimes a daunting task, especially for new parents.
How to store breastmilk
Breastmilk is the ideal food for your baby, providing all the nutrients they need in the first months of life.
Benefits of breastmilk
Breastfeeding is best for babies and has many benefits, such as helping to protect your baby from infection while their immune system develops.
Novalac is available
from pharmacies nationwide
