The Benefits of Breastfeeding

The purpose of sterilisation is to kill off any harmful bacteria that may grow in equipment that has had milk in it, and there are many sterilisation methods available today.

Did you know…? Breastfeeding directly from your breast, helps to protect your baby’s ability to drink only as much as they need. 
 

Whether you’re moving from breastfeeding to formula feeding, or changing from one formula to another, it’s important to keep your eye out for signs of intolerance. Read and hear tips from our experts.

The protein in breast milk is one of the most important nutrients for babies. Extraordinary changes take place during the first 1000 days of your baby’s life.

It is extremely important to follow the storage and handling instructions provided on the tin of the baby formula you are using.

Feeding directly off the breast is ideal, but there may be times in which you need to express and give your baby the goodness of breastmilk, out of a bottle.

Newborn babies will drink as much as they need when they are hungry. They are usually quite good at regulating their intake and stop drinking when they feel full. 

Our immune system is responsible for filtering everything we come into contact with – from food, to dust particles, to bacteria. In some people, the immune system can trigger a reaction against harmless substances, such as a food protein.  If it does, this is known as an allergic reaction or allergy.

Although breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, it’s a way of feeding that both you and your baby must learn together. It takes time, patience and practice. Experiment with different ways of holding your baby.

There may not be many situations where you will need to warm up a formula feed, but on the odd occasion when you do it’s important to know how to do it safely.

Planning to breastfeed but not sure how to start preparing?  Here is a list of our breastfeeding tips for first-time parents to help you prepare.   

In Australia, almost all mums intend to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding, it isn’t always easy. The most important advice is to seek professional help if you’re experiencing difficulties and find a good support network early on.

Newborn babies are often very alert and eager to feed right after birth. Your milk won’t have come in, but this special substance you produce until then, referred to as colostrum, is full of infection-fighting antibodies. Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.

Breastfeeding is nature’s intended way to feed a baby and has a number of health benefits for both mum and baby. In Australia, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until around 6 months, and continued breastfeeding after the introduction of solid foods until 12 months – and beyond if mum and baby wish.