Benefits of breastfeeding

Third trimester

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Breastfeeding: What you need to know

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding to around 6 months of age and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or more.

Exclusive breastfeeding means giving your baby only breastmilk. So no other food or drink, including water, juice, herbal teas and non-human milk (except for vitamins, minerals and medications if your family doctor or paediatrician say so).

At around 6 months, you can start to feed your baby solid foods. Start feeding them iron-rich foods (e.g. mashed meat, fish, chicken, or legumes), and continue to breastfeed up to 2 years of age or more.

Any way you choose to feed your baby, we are here to support your choices and provide you with information and guidance.

Talk to your midwife, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant/breastfeeding support clinic or family doctor if you have any questions.

What is breastmilk?

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Colostrum (the first milk)

Your body starts making milk before you give birth. The first milk is called colostrum.

Colostrum:

Is full of nutrients that helps develop the babies’ stomach
protects your baby from sickness
is thick and yellow
is made in small amounts enough for what your baby needs

Your baby only needs a little bit of milk at first. A newborn baby’s stomach is very small (about the size of a cherry).

Mature milk

After about 2–3 days, your milk will increase. Your breasts may feel fuller or heavier. This is normal.

Your milk will:

look lighter in colour
increase in amount
change as your baby grows

Your body will make the right amount of milk for your baby.