Question

What is the Department of Health’s advice on breast feeding?

Answer

The Department of Health recommends exclusively breast feeding in the first 6 months of your baby's life as it's accepted as the best form of nutrition for infants to ensure a good start in life.

Breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs. It contains the ideal balance of nutrients, is easy for a baby to digest, is hygienic, contains antibodies that help babies fight infections and prevents constipation.

Breast feeding is best for your little one and a healthy, balanced diet is important when breast feeding. If you are unable or choose not to breast feed the decision can be difficult to reverse. Also introduction of partial bottle feeding will reduce the supply of breast milk, whereas continuing to breast feed will maintain a healthy supply of milk.

An infant formula should be used on the advice of a doctor or Healthcare Professional and the cost and any social implications of using an infant formula should be carefully considered when deciding how to feed your baby. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods can be harmful to your baby's health. If an infant formula is used, all the preparation, feeding and storage instructions should be followed carefully, as this is important for your baby's health.

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