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Mum & Baby

Breastfeeding tips

Woman breastfeeding a tiny newborn baby

This article may help answer:

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

What are the best supplements for breastfeeding?

What is in breast milk?

For those women who can breastfeed and choose to do so, nursing a baby can be extremely rewarding. However, don’t expect too much of yourself or your newborn at first. Breastfeeding is a skill you will both learn and perfect as you go along. You may even need breastfeeding lessons from an expert to help you on your way.

Find out more:

    Benefits of breastfeeding

    Not only is your breast milk the best source of nutrition for your baby, breastfeeding has physical and emotional benefits for you both.
    For the first few months of life your baby can survive - and thrive - entirely on breastmilk alone
    On a practical level, your breast milk contains the perfect mix of nutrients for your baby’s growth, and helps protect against infections and allergies. For the first few months of life your baby can survive - and thrive - entirely on breastmilk alone. Pretty incredible.

    Bonding through breastfeeding is another thing many women start to enjoy about it, and once you get the hang of it breastfeeding can be one of the most peaceful times of the day.

    Anything else? Breastfeeding releases a hormone that encourages your uterus to contract back to its previous size. You will also find calories burned breastfeeding, can help you get back into your favourite jeans.

    What if I struggle to breastfeed?

    Like riding a bike, we aren’t born knowing how to do this, and many new mums need help with breastfeeding. Don’t be afraid to ask your midwife, nurse or GP for support. Or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

    What is in breast milk?

    Human breast milk is generally made up of 87% water, 4% fat, 1% protein and 7% lactose.
    Breast milk also adapts to the changing needs of your child as she grows. For example, in the first few days after birth, you will produce what is known as colostrum, which is a sticky, yellow-coloured liquid. Colostrum benefits include protecting your baby from infection and helping build their immune system. After a few days your breastmilk will “come in” and will look a lot more like the milk you’re used to seeing.

    Choosing a breastfeeding supplement

    The Ministry of Health recommends all breastfeeding women take a supplement including iodine. Other guidelines, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This is in line with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) which recommends all women who are breastfeeding to take an iodine supplement.

    Elevit Breastfeeding vitamins are specially tailored to support the increased nutritional requirements of breastfeeding mums. They support energy levels and contain both folic acid (a form of folate) and iodine. It also includes health-promoting:

    • Betacarotene: Supports healthy development of your baby’s overall vision and eye health
    • Omega-3 (DHA): Promotes healthy development of baby’s brain and eyesight
    • B-Group Vitamins and Iron: Assists with energy requirements
    • Vitamin D: To aid calcium absorption
    • Zinc and Vitamin C: Supports healthy immunity

     

    Reference

    https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/iodine-supplementation-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women 

    You’ve read advice on:

    The benefits of breastfeeding

    Where to find help with breastfeeding

    Vitamins that help with breastfeeding

    See the new mums checklist

    Read more on:

    Recovering from labour 

    New mums checklist 

    Diet & breastfeeding 

    Starting solids 

    Read more on mum & baby:

    Mum and bub portrait

    Recovering from labour

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    Ripe avocado fruit

    Diet & breastfeeding

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    Baby reaching for food

    Starting solids

    LEARN MORE

    New mums checklist

    LEARN MORE
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    Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. If you have a baby with a neural tube defect/Spina Bifida, seek specific medical advice. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Elevit Preconception & Pregnancy Multivitamin contains (per tablet) 800 mcg folic acid, 60 mg iron, 220 mg iodine plus a range of other beneficial vitamins and minerals - For full active ingredients, see the label. If you have any pre-existing conditions, or are on any medications always talk to your healthcare professional before use. Bayer New Zealand Ltd., Auckland.