More Detail About Feeding Choice

Exclusively breastfeeding for around the first 6 months of your baby's life and then continuing once your baby starts solids until around 12 months and beyond gives your baby the best start in life.

Breast milk is free, fresh and requires no preparation. It is easy for your baby to digest, changes with your baby's needs, and contains the nutrients your baby needs for around the first 6 months of life.

It is the greatest gift you can give your baby.

Find out about breastfeeding while you are still pregnant. Your midwife or other maternity carer or a breastfeeding support group can help you make an informed choice.

If you decide to use infant formula, talk to your health practitioner. Ask about the risks and benefits. Your health practitioner will be able to provide you with information about the risks of formula feeding, and show you how to prepare infant formula safely.

Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. If you have stopped breastfeeding altogether, it's possible to restart. This may be difficult because your milk supply will naturally reduce once you are not breastfeeding, but it can increase again to meet your baby's needs.

Find out about making choices about feeding your baby before birth

Check KidsHealth's breastfeeding section

Check KidsHealth's formula feeding section