Health professionals in Australia now recommend exclusive breastfeeding to around six months as there is concern some carers are introducing solids too early (before four months), reducing the amount of breast milk and therefore reducing the essential nutrients and benefits associated with breastfeeding.
Golden Circle fully supports the view that breast milk offers the best nutritional start for babies and that solids should be introduced only when the infant is ready, which is usually at around six months of age.
Ideally, you will be able to breastfeed for your baby's first year. If not, you should try to give your baby the best possible start by breastfeeding for at least around 6 months. Breast milk will meet all your baby's needs and nothing else is required - not even water.
Breast milk or baby formula is important even when other foods are being introduced.
If you can't breastfeed
If you can't breastfeed, don't panic. You can use baby formula and your doctor or child and family health nurse can provide advice on which product to choose. There are many reasons why some mothers cannot breastfeed and you should not feel guilty.
Do not use cow's milk as a substitute for breast milk or baby formula. The protein and the types of fat present in cow's milk are not suitable for babies under 12 months of age.
You should obtain expert advice from your maternity hospital and child and family health nurse when establishing feeding.
Why breastfeeding is important
- Breast milk is the only milk that changes to meet the needs of your baby as they grow. As your baby feeds, they will take as much as they need and your milk supply will adjust according to the demand.
- Apart from containing the ideal balance of nutrients needed for growth and development, breast milk satisfies baby's thirst and hunger, is easily digested and absorbed, and does not stress your baby's kidneys or liver.
- Breast milk contains many factors including antibodies to protect your baby against infection. Your baby is better protected against gastroenteritis, ear infections and respiratory infections.
What do I do
- All babies are different, so even siblings will have varied feeding times. Feeding on demand involves about six feeds a day - one every 3-4 hours. On average, babies will drink about 150ml to 200ml of milk per kg of body weight per day from six months and 120-150ml per kg per day from six to nine months.
- You may find your baby demands more breast milk or infant formula during growth spurts at about six weeks and three months. If you are breastfeeding the best way to increase your breastmilk supply is to increase the number of feeds.
- During the first four to six months, your baby will need night feeds because of their small stomach and rapid growth rate. These will diminish as your baby grows and is able to take larger feeds.
What you should eat when breastfeeding
You need to eat a little more while breastfeeding. About 2500 kilojoules (595 calories) extra per day are required when breastfeeding. Your needs for calcium and protein are higher than normal when you are breastfeeding.
- Be sure to include 3-4 serves each day of high calcium foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, or a calcium fortified soy drink
- Try to have 1-2 serves each day of iron-rich foods such as lean meat, fortified breakfast cereals and legumes like beans or lentils.
- Make sure you drink plenty of extra fluids such as water, milk, or juice. Avoid drinks containing caffeine (eg tea, coffee, cola and high energy soft drinks) as it may lead to dehydration and could affect your baby through your breast milk.
What you should avoid when breastfeeding
Some mothers find their babies are more unsettled when they eat certain foods. Common foods that may upset your baby are caffeine, legumes, cauliflower, capsicum, onion and spicy foods.
- You should avoid alcohol during breastfeeding as it may make your baby drowsy. It can also reduce your milk supply by interfering with your let-down reflex.
- Avoid smoking and passive smoking as the nicotine passes to your breast milk and may increase the risk of allergies.
- Many medicines and drugs are carried in breast milk and could affect your baby. Always seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist when taking either prescribed or un-prescribed medicines. Even certain supplements and herbs should be avoided.
Hints and tips
Your body is now attuned to a baby's needs, so you may find you have an unexpected let-down of milk. It can be brought on by hearing a baby cry or about your own child's feeding time. Most mothers find wearing breast pads day and night will help prevent leakage.
- Expect to demand feed by offering your baby breastmilk every time they are hungry.
- You may find you are less organised than usual. If possible, plan to rest when your baby sleeps during the day to ensure your milk supply.
- Drink plenty of extra water daily.
Bottle-feeding and formula
If you are bottle-feeding, you are just as capable of bonding, having cuddles, eye contact and a loving relationship with your baby.
- Expect to demand feed by offering your baby formula each time they are hungry.
- In the first few weeks, your baby may take as little as 60ml at a feed. This will gradually increase to 150ml, then 180ml, and possibly to 200ml, by the time your baby is six months old.
- Your baby will need 150ml of formula daily for each kilogram they weigh.
- Be sensitive to your baby's hunger, they may not finish the bottle every time.
- Once you have introduced solid food, your baby may need less formula - about 120-150ml per kg per day.
- Be sure to use sterile feeding equipment and water, and wash your hands before making formula. Different varieties require different ratios of formula to water, so check the instructions carefully.
- Many varieties of formula are available. If you are unsure which one to choose, check with your doctor, dietician or child and family health nurse.
- Never substitute cow's milk for infant formula as it is not nutritionally balanced for growth and is too high in protein and salt for a baby's kidneys, and does not offer the correct balance of fats for a baby's growth.
- Never add solid food such as infant cereal to your baby's bottle, as they need to establish the difference between food and drink.
