Breastfeeding 'key during first six months'

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Tuesday, 24th March 2009
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby in the first six months of life, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Queensland GP Dr Jane Smith, a spokesperson for RACGP, says it provides "optimum nutrition" to newborn babies and boosts their resistance to infection and some diseases.

In addition, breastfeeding benefits a baby's growth and development, she comments.

Dr Smith says: "We need to promote society-wide acceptance of breastfeeding. We support mothers breastfeeding wherever and whenever their baby needs to eat.

"Breastfeeding delivers health benefits for babies and is also beneficial for mothers. Breastfeeding helps a woman's body recover after pregnancy and lactation (the production of breastmilk) protects against premenopausal breast cancer and osteoporosis."

The Australian Breastfeeding Association says this action is important as it protects babies from illness and infection, provides the correct food, aids the development of eyesight, speech and intelligence, and promotes a special loving bond between mother and baby.