Breast feeding

Breast milk forms the basis of your baby's diet for the first year of their life, even once they have started on solid foods. Breast milk is by far the best food for your baby, with a host of benefits; but if you are unable to breastfeed, bottle feeding provides all the nutrients your baby needs.

Breast milk provides the perfect start for your baby, affecting their health and devlopment on many levels. the composition of breast milk changes constantly, adapting to your baby's needs. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhoea, and they are protected against gastroenteritis, as well as ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, and septicemia. There is also a reduced risk of constipation and other tummy disorders.

Some women adjust to breast feeding very quickly and easily; others find that it takes a little longer, but once underway, it is enjoyable, convenient and usually problem-free. You can also relax in the knowledge that your baby will grow and develop at optimum levels. It is also important to look after yourself when you are breast feeding. A balanced and nutritious diet ensures that your baby gets the nutrients they need from your milk, and that you stay healthy, relaxed and full of energy.

In the next few sections we give you helpful tips about breast feeding. We explain you the different feeding positions, correct positioning and attachment, common concerns while breast feeding, and expressing breast milk.

Positioning and attachment

Advantages of breast feeding

Helpful tips for breast feeding

Expressing breast milk