Illuma

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR MOTHERS

Breast-feeding

Breast milk is the best for babies and provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for your baby. For most infants, breast milk is all that is needed for the first 6 months. Many mothers continue to breast-feed after 6 months and then give other foods as well. For advice on breast-feeding, consult your doctor or any other health professional, or a friend or relative who has successfully breastfed. Frequent feeding is the best way to establish and maintain a good milk supply. A well balanced diet, both during pregnancy and after delivery, also helps sustain and adequate supply of breast milk.

Advice especially for the working mothers

Your baby can still receive the benefits of breast milk even if you go out to work. Partial breast-feeding is better that bottle-feeding completely, so continue to breast-feed even if you have been advised to give other foods. If you sleep with your baby, he will breast-feed during the night without disturbing you. Before you leave home in the morning and again when you return, breast-feed your baby. When mixed feeding, always offer the breast before giving other foods.
Remember: Breast milk is the best and most economical food for your baby.

Seek advice

The use of foods which are not intended for young babies can be harmful. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks, will have a negative effect on breast-feeding. Therefore, always consult a health professional before introducing anything other than breast milk.

Using a breast milk substitute

If a doctor or other health professional recommends a supplement to breast-feeding, or its replacement, during the first 6 months, it is preferable to use an infant formula meeting recognized quality standards.
When used correctly this supplies the nutritional needs of your baby in an easily digestible form. You will need more than 450 g per week if your baby is only bottle-fed, so keep your family circumstances and costs in mind before deciding whether to use infant formula.
As soon as your baby is old enough, feed infant formula with a cup and spoon.