Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best natural food you can offer your infant. You can breastfeed until your child is two years of age and beyond if you wish.

Breast milk has the right level and quality of nutrients to suit your baby's first food needs. It is also the easiest source of food on the digestive system so there's less chance of constipation or diarrhea. 

Breast milk is naturally and uniquely produced, by each mother for her own baby, thus your baby is less easily exposed to foreign allergenic material. This means the development of allergies could be delayed or avoided altogether. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that help your baby fight off illness more effectively.

There are few reasons not to breastfeed. 

If you are ill, if you smoke or drink alcohol you should consult your doctor for information regarding nursing your baby. You can still breastfeed even if you are taking some medications. Small amounts will be excreted through breast milk and are well tolerated by babies. There are a few exceptions and once again we urge you to consult your doctor before breastfeeding your child.

To find out about misconceptions concerning breastfeeding click here.