Important Advice for Mothers
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition and protection from illnesses for your baby. For most infants, breast milk is all that is needed for the first 6 months. Many mothers continue to breastfeed after 6 months and then give other foods as well. For advice on breastfeeding, consult your doctor or any other health professional, or a friend or relative who has successfully breastfed. Frequent feeding is the best way to establish and maintain a good milk supply. A well balanced diet, both during pregnancy and after delivery, also helps sustain an adequate supply of breast milk.
Advice especially for the working mothers
Your baby can still receive the benefits of breast milk even if you go out to work. Partial breastfeeding is better that bottle breastfeeding completely, so continue to breastfeed even if you have been advised to give other foods. If you sleep in the same room with your baby, breastfeeding in the night will ease the disruption when it comes to infant sleeping. Before you leave home in the morning and again when you return, breast feed your baby. When mixed feeding, always offer breast milk before giving other foods.
Remember: Breast milk is the best and most economical food for your baby.
Seek Advice
The use of foods which are not intended for young babies can be harmful. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle feeding or other foods and drinks will have a negative effect on breast feeding. Therefore, always consult a health professional before introducing anything other than breast milk.
Using a breast milk substitute
If a doctor or other health professional recommends a supplement to breast feeding or a replacement during the first 6 months, it is preferable to use an infant formula meeting recognized quality standards. When used correctly, this supplies the nutritional needs of your baby in an easily digestible form. You will need more that one can (450g) per week if your baby is only bottle fed, so keep your family circumstances and costs in mind before deciding whether to use infant formula. As soon as your baby is old enough, feed infant formula with a cup and spoon.