Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for newborns — uniquely designed to meet every nutritional need a baby has in the early stages of life.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
For the baby:
- Breast milk contains a complete range of nutrients that support healthy development of the brain and all other organs – nutrients not found in any other milk. Breastfed babies tend to grow well both physically and cognitively.
- Breast milk contains antibodies that protect against infections including colds, pneumonia, and intestinal illness. This immunity begins from the very first feed.
For the mother and family:
- Strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby
- Helps the uterus contract and return to its normal size more quickly, and aids in the expulsion of postpartum discharge
- Reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer
- Helps the mother return to her pre-pregnancy weight, as fat stored during pregnancy is gradually used to produce milk
- Convenient, time-saving, and cost-free
Keys to successful breastfeeding
Start early
Put the baby to the breast within 30–40 minutes of birth. Even before milk comes in, early suckling stimulates milk production. The first few days also produce colostrum – a yellowish early milk packed with protein and immune-boosting compounds that every baby should receive.
Feed frequently
While in hospital, keep the baby beside you at all times so feeding can happen on demand. Frequent feeding stimulates greater milk production and helps prevent engorgement.
Use the correct latch
Hold the baby close against your chest, support the breast, and guide the nipple deep into the baby’s mouth so they take in the areola, not just the nipple. A shallow latch causes nipple pain and cracking.
Empty each breast
Offer both breasts at each feed to stimulate production and prevent engorgement. When the baby has finished, gently press the breast away from the corner of the mouth to detach — do not pull straight out, as this damages the nipple and the baby’s gums. At the next feed, start with the breast that was fed from last.
No need to give water
Breast milk already contains sufficient water. Giving extra water reduces the amount of breast milk the baby takes and offers no benefit.
Self-care tips for breastfeeding mothers
- Trust that your body is producing enough milk – anxiety and stress reduce milk supply
- Eat well, with an emphasis on protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs
- Rest as much as possible – fatigue directly affects milk production
- Keep your mind at ease
- Aim to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first 3 months, and continue for as long as possible beyond that
Breast milk is the best start you can give your baby. Every feed matters.
