Breastfeeding

Supporting Information

A newborn baby needs to remain in skin-to-skin contact with the mother as much as possible. It is best for the mother and baby to stay together in the same room or bed. The baby should be allowed to breastfeed as often as he or she wants.

Having the baby start to breastfeed soon after birth stimulates the production of the mother's breastmilk. It also helps the mother's uterus contract, which reduces the risk of heavy bleeding or infection.

Colostrum, the thick yellowish milk the mother produces in the first few days after birth, is the perfect food for newborn babies. It is very nutritious and helps protect the baby against infections. Sometimes mothers are advised not to feed colostrum to their babies. This advice is incorrect.

The baby needs no other food or drink while waiting for the mother's milk supply to increase.

If a mother gives birth in a hospital or clinic, she has a right to expect that her baby will be kept near her in the same room, 24 hours a day, and that no formula or water will be given to her baby if she is breastfeeding.