Breastfeeding your baby

Continue exclusive breastfeeding

The World Health Organization recommends only giving breastmilk until your baby is around 6 months old. This is called exclusive breastfeeding. It means your baby does not need any other foods or drinks, including water, herbal tea, juice, non-human milk, and formula. 

Talk to your family doctor or maternal child and family health nurse before giving anything other than breastmilk. 

Breastmilk has all the nutrients a baby needs until around 6 months. 

Breastfeeding has many benefits, including:

• strengthening the close bond between you and your baby
• helping your baby grow healthily and develop their brain
• protecting your baby from getting sick
• lowering your baby's risk of having food allergies 

Baby’s behaviour and breastfeeding 

By now, you might feel more comfortable feeding your baby. You have probably seen that your baby does not eat the same amount every day. Sometimes they might stop and start again a few times during a feed. 

Baby’s feeding behaviour

At 2 to 4 months breastfed babies: 

• Can feed up to 6 to 8 times in a day (24-hour period), but you can feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. 
• Feeding sessions may be shorter. Your breastmilk amount will change to give your baby the right amount they need. You may start feeding on one breast until it feels softer and lighter. If your baby still seems hungry, switch to the other breast.

They might cry before, during, or after eating. Some days they might be hungrier and want to eat more. On other days, they might not eat much or get easily distracted. This is normal for babies between 2 to 4 months old. 

Many things can change how your baby eats, like: 

• hot weather 
• growth spurts: babies grow fast in a short time. This can make them fussy and hungry
• your baby is tired
• too much noise or activities happening around them
• sickness
• breastfeeding problems, like low milk supply, nipple or breast pain, or poor latch on the breast.

If you are experiencing any problems feeding, have breast or nipple pain or are worried about your milk supply, talk to your Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurse, Lactation Consultant or Family Doctor.

Read more about managing common breastfeeding issues.

How to have a more settled and calm feeding experience with your baby

To have a more settled feeding, respond to your baby’s cues (signs) to know what they need:

• Look out for their signs of hunger and fullness
• Make sure their nappy is clean and dry 
• Calm your baby before feeding 
• Go to a quiet place with few distractions, like noise or other activities.

Read more on understanding your baby’s signs.  

Bonding during breastfeeding 

Feeding time: More than just food

Two special things happen when you feed your baby:

1. Bonding time: This is when you and your baby get closer. Your baby learns your voice, touch, and love.
2. Food time: Your baby gets the important nutrients they need to grow healthily. 

When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin, a special hormone that helps you feel a strong connection to your baby. This hormone makes you want to love and care for your baby.

Even when life gets busy, try to find a quiet moment to feed your baby. Holding them close during feeds makes them feel safe and loved.

Sometimes, they might stop, look at you, or even try to talk to you by making little sounds. This is how they learn and develop new skills.