Breastmilk provides your baby with all the nutrition they need to grow. Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby, and it is one of the ways you can create a special bond with your baby.  

It is recommended you give only breastmilk for the first 6 months of baby's life, but continue to breastfeed into the second year or for as long as you would like. Solids should be introduced at around 6 months of age. The nutrients in breastmilk adjust to meet your baby’s needs as they grow and develop, while the immune properties in breastmilk also provide protection from infection. 

Advantages of Breastfeeding and Breastmilk

There are many physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding, including: 

• Breastmilk is ready whenever your baby is hungry  

• Breastmilk provides unique immune properties from the mother’s' immune system which helps fight infection, viruses, and diseases  

• Breastmilk is free and convenient   

• You do not need any additional equipment 

• Breastmilk reduces the risk of some cancers, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes in the mother 

• Breastmilk supports bonding between a mother and her baby 

• Breastfed babies are more likely to be a healthy weight later in life  

• Breastfeeding can help many mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight 

The following video uses Dharug language words to talk about breastfeeding:

Healthy Eating while Breastfeeding 

Healthy eating during your breastfeeding journey helps your body support its everyday functions and supports making breastmilk. It takes more calories to breastfeed a child than it does to create one! Remember to look after yourself and your baby by eating a variety of foods from the five food groups and drinking plenty of water.  

For more information visit Healthy eating during your pregnancy