Breastfeeding is the healthiest start to life. Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies’ growth and development. It provides all the nutritional requirements for babies to around six months of age. It also supplies many nutrients for babies older than six months.

Although breastfeeding is recommended, it is not always possible. Babies who are not breastfed need an infant formula. Keep breastfeeding or using infant formula until baby is at least 12 months old, including while you introduce other foods. This is until baby is at least 12 months old. You may choose to continue breastfeeding for as long as both mother and infant want to keep going.

All mothers can benefit from support from family and friends in choosing what is best for them. If you need support or are finding breastfeeding challenging, talk to your child health nurse or a lactation consultant. You may also find the following websites helpful.

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) mum2mum app

The mum2mum app provides breastfeeding information and support at your fingertips.  It allows you to:

• Search for breastfeeding information based on your baby or child’s age.
• Find the answers to some commonly asked questions.
• Keep a log of your baby’s feeds, sleep and nappy changes.
• Receive notifications relevant to your baby’s age and development stages.
• Access ABA’s National Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 or LiveChat. The website and online store have resources that may help you in your breastfeeding journey.

Access it via mum2mum app | Australian Breastfeeding Association or download it through your App Store.

Latching and positioning for breastfeeding

Raising Children Network has some great resources on baby-led attachment and mother-led attachment:

• Pictorial positioning guide
• Information on breastfeeding attachment

Sterilising bottles

This 2-minute video shows how to prepare bottles (expressed breast milk or baby formula).

Making up formula

If you choose to feed your baby infant formula, it is important to sterilise the bottles. It is also important to prepare the formula as detailed in the instructions on the tin. Use your infants hunger and fullness cues to guide the amount of formula baby wants.

The Raising Children Network website also has a pictorial guide.