Breastfeeding

Find out about preparing to breastfeed, the health benefits of breastfeeding, your baby's first feed and the hunger cues your pēpi may display. Each link takes you to a page beginning with a short video followed by key messages. You can select from 9 languages at the top of each page. 

Mother breastfeeding her baby in the kitchen

Copyright: Kidshealth

Breastmilk Is The Best Food For Your Baby

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

The Health Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Your breastmilk makes a big difference to both your baby's health and yours. 

Preparing To Breastfeed Before Birth

Before your baby arrives, find out as much as you can about how to breastfeed.

Skin To Skin & Breastfeeding

Holding your baby against your skin straight after birth will calm your baby, steady their breathing and help keep them warm.

Your Baby's First Breastfeed

Babies have such a strong instinct to breastfeed. Usually in that first hour your baby will start to show signs of being ready to feed. If left, they will move towards your breast and latch on by themselves.

A Good Latch Is The Key To Successful Breastfeeding

Make sure your baby is properly latched. Watch a video showing you how.

Your Baby's Hunger Cues & Breastfeeding

When your baby is hungry, they will show signs of nuzzling, hand-sucking, or mouthing (opening their mouth and turning their head).

How to Get Breastfeeding Established

Your milk usually takes 2 to 3 days to come in, and babies usually regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days.

How To Know If Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk

Feeding whenever your baby wants to feed will help maintain your milk supply. This is your baby's way of making sure they have all the breastmilk they need. The milk they take is replaced each time they feed.

How To Express Breastmilk

Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast. You would do this if you are separated from your baby for any reason.

How To Safely Store Breastmilk

Breastmilk can be stored. Remember to use a sterilised container to put the milk in. Find out more about how long you can store breastmilk.