Why Breastfeed

Why Breastfeeding is important?

Breastfeeding is the normal and most beneficial way for feeding. Your baby's growth and development depends on the food he/she gets. Breastfeeding provides all your baby's essential needs for growth, development and protection from illness and disease.

Best for baby

* Breastmilk meets all your baby's nutritional needs for the first six months
* Breastmilk changes during the feed, as well as over months and years, to meet your baby's changing nutritional, immunological and developmental needs
* Regular skin-to-skin contact and close interaction during breastfeeds encourages mutual responsiveness and attachment
* Breastmilk contains many anti-infective factors that help protect your baby from illnesses such as gastroenteritis and infections
* Breastfeeding lowers the risk of being overweight, obesity and diabetes in childhood and adulthood
* Babies who are breastfed have higher IQ scores and better jaw development
* Breastmilk is more easily digested than other milks and nappies smell less offensive


Best for mother

* Early suckling minimise bleeding after birth and helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnant state
* Breastfeeding aids a faster return to pre-pregnancy body weight as it uses kilojoules to make the milk
* Full breastfeeding delays the return of fertility
* Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers
* Breastfeeding may lead to stronger bones and less osteoporosis


Best for the family

* A healthier baby means reduced costs in doctor's visits and medicine
* Breastfeeding is cheap compared to formula feeding
* Breastfeeding is safe and convenient


* taken from Breastfeeding your Baby - NSW Health