Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding gives a baby the best possible start in life – and it’s good for the health and wellbeing of mothers too.
Mums, mums-to-be and their supporters can find out all about breastfeeding on the pages below and you can visit our Facebook community.
Babies should be exclusively breastfed until they’re around six months old.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s important you know what to expect and have support from your partner, whānau/family and health practitioner.
Although breastfeeding is natural, it sometimes doesn’t come naturally. This section will help you find out how to get breastfeeding off to a good start and continue for as long as you can.
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Benefits of breastfeeding
Information on how breastfeeding gives baby the best start in life, reducing the risk of illness for you and baby both.
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Getting ready to breastfeed
If you’re pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, it helps to know as much as possible going in. This page has information for mothers to be and supporters on how to prepare for breastfeeding.
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How to breastfeed
Correct positioning and attachment are essential for successful breastfeeding. This section has information on positioning, latching, and potential problems and solutions, as well as links to helpful pictures and videos.
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Stages of breastfeeding
Information on the four stages (preparing, starting out, establishing and continuing) as well as on the benefits for baby and mother at each stage.
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Problems with breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Find out how to deal with problems such as pain, engorgement and not having enough milk.
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Breastfeeding in public and at work
Information about your right to breastfeed in public and work, what the benefits are, and tips to make it easier.
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When you or baby are sick
If you or baby are sick, it doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding. Find out what to do about illness, whether your medication can affect your baby, what to do if you or baby need surgery, and whether or not to breastfeed if you have HIV.
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Baby’s health and nutrition
Find out how breast milk meets baby’s needs, and how to feel sure they’re getting enough of nutrients like iron and vitamin D.
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Your health and nutrition
It’s important to eat well and stay healthy while breastfeeding. Find out about healthy eating and getting enough to drink, exercise and returning to your pre-pregnancy weight, and what to do if you’re feeling tired or depressed.
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Formula feeding
Formula is there for when you can’t or shouldn’t feed baby your own breast milk. Find out how to use it, what the risks are, and why it’s important to buy a proper infant formula.
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When baby is ready for other foods
Once baby is over six months old, they’re ready for complementary foods in addition to breastfeeding. Find out what the benefits are of breastfeeding your older baby or toddler, and how to go about weaning.
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Sex and pregnancy
Information on issues relating to sex and pregnancy during breastfeeding.
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Special situations
Information on breastfeeding in special situations, including after a caesarean, when your baby’s been born prematurely, when you’ve had twins or multiples, if you’ve adopted, or when you’re living with family violence.
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Supporting a breastfeeding mother
Breastfeeding can be challenging and it can be tiring. If your partner, family member or friend is a breastfeeding mother, your support can really help.
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Resources
A list of useful resources related to breastfeeding, breastfeeding and working, healthy eating for you and baby, starting solids or weaning, and feeding baby infant formula.
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Where to find help
Information on the people and organisations that can help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start and provide support if problems arise.
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Breastfeeding Naturally
Breastfeeding Naturally is a video that follows nine women on their breastfeeding journey. Read more
Breastfeeding stories
Real stories on the trials and triumphs of four breastfeeding women.
Common conditions when breastfeeding
Related websites
New Zealand College of Midwives
The professional organisation for New Zealand midwives.
La Leche League
The New Zealand website of La Leche League, an international organisation who promote breastfeeding.
Related areas
Page last updated: 02 April 2013
Where to go for help
| Emergencies | Dial 111 (for ambulance, fire or police) |
| Healthline | Dial 0800 611 116 |
| Poisons | Dial 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) |
| Mental health crisis | Emergency contact numbers |
Site details
© Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora, 2013