Overview
Breastfeeding
If you choose to formula feed your baby, Mitcham Private Hospital will respect your decision
and will support you with any information and practical advice required.
Advantages of breastfeeding
Hints for the first few weeks
of breastfeeding
Feeding your baby
Correct positioning and attachment
28 Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education
Guidelines for expressing and
storing breast milk
Appropriate fitting bras
Breastfeeding video
World and Australian recommendations
for breastfeeding
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australia’s National Health and Medical
Research Council (NHMRC) recommendations for breastfeeding are:
• Breastfeed exclusively for six months
• After six months, gradually introduce family food, while continuing to breastfeed
for two years and beyond
• Give breast milk first before solid food for the first 12 months
• Be assured that any and all breastfeeding is good for you and your baby.
Something to
Remember
Proven advantages of breast milk for your baby
Breast milk is a complete whole food designed for human babies. Breast milk is
easily digested for growth and development for each baby to reach their full potential.
Breast milk provides increased immunity to common childhood illnesses, including:
• Diarrhoea
• Respiratory infections
• Middle ear infections
• Eczema
• Urinary tract infections
Breast milk
reduces the risks
to some adult illnesses,
including:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Asthma
Helpful
Hints
Important
Information
Remember
Info
to
note
Breast milk is easily
digested for growth
and development for
each baby to reach
their full potential.