Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding helps lay the foundations of a healthy life for a baby and also makes a positive contribution to the health and wider wellbeing of mothers and whānau/families. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until babies are around six months.
Most of the information in this section is for mothers and mothers-to-be.
It’s important mothers know what to expect and have support from their partners, whānau/families and health practitioners in the early days.
Once breastfeeding is established, mothers also need support from their employers and the community.
Although breastfeeding is natural, it sometimes doesn't come naturally. The areas below provide information to help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start and continue for as long as they can.
In this section
- Information on how breastfeeding gives baby the best start in life, reducing the risk of illness for you and baby both. Read more
- 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. Read more
- 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. Read more
- Information on the four stages (preparing, starting out, establishing and continuing) as well as on the benefits for baby and mother at each stage. Read more
- Information about your right to breastfeed in public and work, what the benefits are, and tips to make it easier. Read more
- Information on milk production and supply, including what to do if you have low milk supply, how to tell baby’s getting enough to drink, what to do if you’ve got milk oversupply and information about taking herbs to increase milk amounts. Read more
- 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. Read more
- Your baby may not always behave like you expect them to. This section discusses what baby behaviours are normal and what to do when there is a problem. Read more
- 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. Read more
- 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. Read more
- Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. Find out what to do if you’re experiencing nipple tenderness or sore breasts, and what pain relief is safe for you and baby. Read more
- Once baby is over six months old, they’re ready for complementary foods in addition to breastfeeding. Find out how to introduce solids, what complementary foods are best for baby, what the benefits are of breastfeeding your older baby or toddler, and how to go about weaning. Read more
- Find out who shouldn’t or may be unable to breastfeed, and what to do if this applies to you. Covers formula feeding, expressing and storing expressed breast milk, bottle-feeding and what to do if you’re separated from your baby. Read more
- Information on your relationship with your lead maternity carer or Well Child nurse, and how birthing at a Baby Friendly hospital can give your breastfeeding a headstart. Read more
- Information on issues relating to sex and pregnancy during breastfeeding. Read more
- 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. Read more
- 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. Read more
- Real stories on the trials and triumphs of four breastfeeding women. Read more
- 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. Read more
- Information on the people and organisations that can help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start and provide support if problems arise. Read more
Page last updated: 05 January 2012
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