Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. It contains everything a baby needs for the first six months, protects against infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, and supports healthy growth and development. WHO recommends starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and continuing alongside other foods up to two years or beyond.
Key facts
- Exclusive breastfeeding means breast milk only, not even water, for the first six months.
- The first thick yellow milk (colostrum) is rich in antibodies and should not be thrown away.
- Most newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
- A good latch prevents most nipple pain.
- Breastfeeding also lowers the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Benefits
For the baby
- Protection against diarrhoea, pneumonia, ear infections and other illnesses
- Lower risk of obesity and diabetes later in life
- Supports brain development
- Always available, clean and at the right temperature
For the mother
- Helps the womb shrink back after birth and reduces bleeding
- Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Can delay the return of periods (but do not rely on this as contraception unless advised)
- Saves money
Getting started
- Hold your baby skin to skin straight after birth and offer the breast within the first hour.
- Feed on demand whenever your baby shows hunger signs: rooting, sucking fists, or turning towards the breast. Crying is a late sign.
- Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second.
- Do not give water, glucose water, herbal drinks or other milks in the first six months unless medically advised. In hot weather, breast milk provides enough water.
A good latch
- Hold your baby close, facing you, with head, shoulders and body in a straight line.
- Bring your baby to the breast with the nose opposite the nipple.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring the baby onto the breast, chin first.
- The baby should take a large mouthful of the dark area around the nipple (areola), more below than above.
- Signs of a good latch: chin touching the breast, lips turned out, cheeks full and rounded, slow deep sucks with pauses, and you can hear swallowing.
If it hurts beyond the first few sucks, gently slide a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to break the suction and try again.
Is my baby getting enough?
- At least 6 wet nappies a day after the first week
- Regular yellow stools in the early weeks
- Steady weight gain at clinic visits
- Baby seems content after most feeds
Common problems
Sore or cracked nipples
Usually caused by a poor latch. Improve positioning, apply a little breast milk to the nipples after feeds and let them air dry. Seek help if pain continues.
Engorgement
Full, hard, painful breasts, often in the first days after milk comes in. Feed often, express a little milk to soften the breast before latching, and use cold compresses after feeds.
Blocked duct and mastitis
A tender lump or red, hot area on the breast, sometimes with fever. Keep breastfeeding from that side and rest. If you have fever or feel unwell and it does not improve within 24 hours, see a health worker, as you may need antibiotics.
Worry about low milk supply
Most mothers make enough milk. The more often the baby feeds, the more milk is made. Avoid giving other drinks or formula without advice, as this reduces demand and supply.
Returning to work
- Express breast milk by hand or pump. It keeps for about 6 hours at room temperature, or up to 3 days in a fridge.
- Feed with a cup rather than a bottle for young babies.
- Breastfeed before and after work, and at night.
Breastfeeding and medical conditions
Most medicines are safe during breastfeeding, but always tell a health worker you are breastfeeding. Mothers living with HIV who take effective treatment can breastfeed safely; see our HIV guide. Mothers with hepatitis B can breastfeed, and their babies should get the birth dose vaccine.
When to see a health worker
See a health worker if breastfeeding is painful, your baby is not gaining weight, has fewer wet nappies, or is very sleepy and not waking for feeds. Seek urgent care if your baby is yellow in the first 24 hours, very drowsy, refusing feeds, or has signs of dehydration, or if you have a high fever with a painful red breast. See our immunisation guide for your baby’s clinic visits.
Frequently asked questions
Should I give my baby water in hot weather?
No. Breast milk is about 88% water and meets the baby’s needs for the first six months.
Can I breastfeed if I am sick?
For most common illnesses, yes. Your milk passes protective antibodies to your baby.
