Language
Search
View All
Why breastmilk?
Breastmilk can provide your baby with all the nutrition they need
Breast milk has all the water and nutrients your baby needs for the first 6 months of life.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding until your baby is 6 months old. This means you do not need to give your baby any first foods (solids) such as rice porridge, mashed fruit or vegetables, or any drinks such as water, juice, herbal drinks, or non-human milk.
Talk to your family doctor or maternal child and family health nurse before giving anything other than breastmilk.
Your breasts keep the milk fresh, safe, and healthy for your baby.
Health benefits
Breastfeeding:
- helps your baby grow
- supports the development of your baby’s brain
- boosts your baby's immune system to help keep them from getting sick
- lowers the risk of ear infections, diarrhoea, asthma, type 1 diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- helps create a close bond between you and your baby.
What to expect in the first few weeks of breastfeeding
When to start breastfeeding?
It is recommended to breastfeed your baby during the first hour after they are born. This will help increase the amount of breastmilk your body makes and give you confidence.
What does breastmilk look like?
The first milk that you make is called colostrum. It is thick and yellow and has antibodies and antioxidants that increase your baby’s immune system. In the week after birth, your milk will slowly become lighter in colour and there will be more of it. It is normal for your breasts to feel full and uncomfortable in the first few days and weeks after giving birth.
Skin-to-skin contact
When your baby is born, have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible (putting your baby's bare skin against your bare skin). This will help your baby learn how to feed. Your midwife will support you at this time.
How long will breastfeeding take?
At first, as you and your baby are trying to learn how to breastfeed, it can take 45 minutes to 1 hour to feed your baby. This will get shorter over time as your baby gets better at sucking.
When will breastfeeding get easier?
Breastfeeding can be hard in the early weeks. It can take up to 6-8 weeks to feel confident about breastfeeding. Remember, you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed together.
Connecting with my baby during breastfeeding
While you feed, connect with your baby. Look at them, talk to them, smile, and respond to them with a gentle touch.
When do I feed my baby?
In the first few weeks, your newborn baby will want to be fed every 2 to 5 hours. Most babies will breastfeed about 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. These times can be different between babies, so it is always best to follow your baby’s hunger signs. If your baby does not wake up through the night, ask your child and family health nurse for advice.
