The most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018) shows that 93% of children between the ages of 0-3 years received breast milk. However, only 29% of those children were exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. Exclusively breastfed means that these infants either breastfed or received expressed breastmilk and no other breastmilk substitutes, food or water for the first 6 months of life. Medicines, vitamins and minerals where needed were the exception.
***Key Points***
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life.
Exclusive breastfeeding means offering your baby no other food or fluids apart from breastmilk.
From 6 months, it is recommended that solids are introduced and that breastfeeding continues until 2 years and beyond. There are ongoing benefits to continuing after the introduction of solid food.
***Key Points***
***WHO Guidelines***
The World Health Organisation (WHO), founded in 1948, is a United Nations agency that aims to attain the highest level of health through connected global health efforts and expanding universal health coverage.
The World Health Organisation recommends that breastfeeding is initiated within the first hour of life and that infants should be breastfed on demand and exclusively for the first 6 months with no other food, liquid or water introduced in that time.
From 6 months, infants should begin eating solids whilst continuing to breastfeed until 2 years and beyond.
***WHO Guidelines***
***Feeding in the first hour after birth***
Initiating breastfeeding in the first hour after birth has been shown to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and extend the lengths of breastfeeding. Placing your baby skin to skin immediately after birth not only assists with the first feed, it also helps regulate your babies temperature, heart rate, breathing and enhances communication between your body and your babies’ body.
There are a lot of factors that can impact a baby’s ability and wilingness to feed in the first few hours. Medications given in labour, caesarean sections, the assistance of forceps or ventouse vacuum, premature birth or a long and exhausting labour are examples of factors that may impact your initial breastfeeding experience.
A sleepy infant or one with a sore head, or born before they have fully developed their feeding reflexes may take a bit of extra time and patience before they are able to breastfeed. The most beneficial thing to do is as much skin to skin time as possible. This allows your baby time to become familiar and explore the smells and feelings of your breast in a calm and relaxed environment. Until they feel comfortable and are able to breastfeed, you can express colostrum and your midwives will help support you and guide you through this process.
***Feeding in the first hour after birth***
***The first 6 months***
The recommendation to not give any bottles, pacifiers, breast milk substitutes or food in the first 6 months is because they can all play a part in reducing milk supply. Particular introducing breast milk substitutes and food before 6 months can increase allergies.
Signs that your baby is ready to start solids include: being around 6 months of age, can sit with support and have good control of their head and neck. They will also show a lot of interest whilst watching others eat and mimic mouth movements and often reach out to grab food and bring it to their mouth.
***The first 6 months***
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