Breast milk is the best food for most babies. It gives your baby all the nutrients and fluids they need in the first 6 months and helps protect them from illness, while breastfeeding also benefits the mother’s health. Here are the benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother, what the World Health Organization recommends, and practical tips to help you succeed.
How long should you breastfeed?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:
- Starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months: breast milk only, with no water, formula, pap, herbal mixtures or juice
- Continuing to breastfeed, alongside healthy family foods, up to 2 years or beyond
Babies don’t need extra water in the first 6 months, even in hot weather. Breast milk is about 88% water.
Benefits of breastfeeding for your baby
- Perfect nutrition: breast milk changes as your baby grows, giving the right balance of nutrients
- Colostrum: the thick, yellowish first milk is rich in antibodies, a natural first vaccine
- Fewer infections: lower risk of diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infections
- Lower risk of sudden infant death
- Long-term health: lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life
- Bonding: skin-to-skin contact helps you and your baby bond
Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother
- Faster recovery after birth: breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps the womb shrink and reduces bleeding
- Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
- Natural child spacing: exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of periods. It is a reliable method of contraception only if your baby is under 6 months, you breastfeed exclusively day and night, and your periods haven’t returned. Otherwise, use another method
- Saves money: no need to buy formula or bottles
Tips for successful breastfeeding
- Get a good latch. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open and cover much of the dark area around the nipple, not just the nipple. A good latch prevents sore nipples.
- Feed on demand, usually 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks, including at night.
- Look for feeding cues, such as rooting, sucking hands and lip-smacking. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
- Look after yourself: eat well, drink plenty of fluids and rest when you can.
- Ask for support from your partner, family, midwife or a breastfeeding support group.
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Good signs include at least 6 wet nappies a day after the first week, regular yellow stools, steady weight gain, and a baby who seems content after feeds. See a health worker if your baby has fewer wet nappies, isn’t gaining weight, or is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds.
Breastfeeding and going back to work
You can keep breastfeeding after returning to work by expressing milk by hand or with a pump. Freshly expressed milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for several months. Talk to your employer about time and a private space to express milk.
When to see a doctor
- Cracked, bleeding or very painful nipples that don’t improve
- A painful, red, hot area on the breast with fever, which may be mastitis
- Your baby has yellow skin or eyes that is getting worse
- You are taking medicines or have a health condition, such as HIV, and want to know if breastfeeding is safe. With the right treatment, many mothers can breastfeed safely
Join our antenatal WhatsApp group for support from other parents and health professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Should I give my baby water in the first 6 months?
No. Breast milk provides all the water your baby needs, even in hot weather.
Can I breastfeed if I’m sick?
For most common illnesses, such as colds and flu, yes. Your milk passes on antibodies. Check with a doctor before taking medicines.
What should I eat while breastfeeding?
A balanced diet with plenty of fluids. You don’t need special foods, but avoid alcohol and limit caffeine.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.
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