The experts all say that even the smallest amount of breastmilk will do your newborn the world of good.
So whether you manage to feed your baby for a day, a week or a year, you should already give yourself a pat on the back.
Reasons why breast milk is considered preferable to formula are well documented. Even the shortest period of breastfeeding will benefit you and your baby.
The only nutrition most babies require for the first six months is breast or formula milk. After that, you need to supplement milk feeds with solids.
The milk you produce in the first few days is called colostrum and is high in protein and anti-infective agents to build up your baby’s immune system. So even if you only manage to breastfeed for a few days, you are already giving your baby the best start in life.
Breastfeeding also helps your womb to contract, thus speeding up the return to your pre-pregnancy figure. You can actually feel these contractions during the early days of breastfeeding.
If there is a history of allergies in your family, including eczema, you are advised to breastfeed for at least six months, preferably nine months.
For how long do most mums continue breastfeeding?
In a poll of 60 mums (aged 20-43) across the UK by the organisation Real Baby Milk, 21% of breastfed babies were fed for between 5-7mths, rising to 25% for 8-10mths, and falling to 19% for 11-13mths.
After that, breastfeeding fell off more sharply, with only 2% of breastfed babies suckling for longer than 18 months.
Once your baby has reached the age of 12 months you can start introducing cow’s milk instead of breastmilk or formula, if you wish.
Feeding your baby by Judy More (teach yourself books, £8.99)
