Parenting doesn't stop for a pandemic and neither do we! Tresillian is here for you - 7 days a week. If you are having breastfeeding difficulties you can now self-refer to Tresillian services by calling our Parent’s Help Line on 1300 272 736. Call now to talk to one of our experienced nurses about which Tresillian service will best suit you.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breast milk is the ideal food for your baby’s healthy growth and development. There are many good reasons to breastfeed – physical, social and emotional.
You probably know all the reasons why breastfeeding is a good idea, but let’s review them anyway:
- Breast milk is always available when your baby is hungry and needs a feed.
- Establishing breastfeeding is convenient – it requires no preparation, is always at the right temperature and you don’t need to buy breast milk.
- Breast milk has all the proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates that your baby needs for the first six months.
- Breast milk is easily digestible, suitable for your baby’s immature digestive system.
- Breast milk is easily absorbed in your baby’s gut, so she receives nutrients quicker.
- Your baby acquires immunity to some illnesses through your breast milk, such as tummy upsets and colds.
- Breast milk is linked with improved vision and early brain development.
- Breast milk helps to establish a healthy gut microbiome in your baby, which helps with her immune system both now and later in life. Recently, a growing body of research has demonstrated the importance of the gut microbiota and its relationship with health and diseases, such as allergies. Breastfeeding has the potential to shape the gut microbiota and composition in early life through your baby being exposed to microbiota, directly via breast milk and indirectly via maternal milk factors.
Some researchers have thought about breastfeeding advice from a different perspective and asked women what else they needed to breastfeed successfully. You won’t be surprised to know that women are more interested in social and emotional aspects, such as:
- Baby’s health and satisfaction with the feed
- That both mother and baby enjoy the feed
- That the woman feels fulfilled by breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding being a harmonious experience between mother and baby
- Breastfeeding being suitable with the woman’s lifestyle.
Breastfeeding FAQ's
- I have to return to work but I am breastfeeding. I don't want to wean. What can I do?
- Our 2 year old has started to become very demanding and has regular tantrums. His naughty behaviour usually occurs when I am trying to feed my baby?
- I am going to be in the hospital for a couple of days, but I'm still breastfeeding my newborn. How do I manage?
- Does Tresillian support breastfeeding?
- Is it safe to have a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding?
