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The thick, yellowish milk that comes in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. Colostrum is very rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals—just what your newborn needs. It supplies large amounts of white blood cells and antibodies that protect your baby from infections. It also cleans her intestines of the residues that build up before birth.

Pregnancy hormones prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. Milk production begins at the end of pregnancy, which is why some women experience some leaking during this time. Whether your baby is born on his due date or earlier, there will be milk for him.

Breast milk composition changes throughout the breastfeeding period to adapt to your baby’s needs and age.

Before handling expressed milk, make sure your hands, breast pump and accessories are clean. Breast milk refrigerates and freezes well. You can keep freshly expressed breast milk or milk taken from the refrigerator at room temperature for 4 hours.

It is recommended to give iron-enriched commercial infant formulas to babies who are not breastfed, until the age of 9 to 12 months. To date, there is no proof that one brand is better than another.

Diluting commercial infant formula requires care and certain precautions. It is important to avoid mistakes so as not to contaminate the milk with bacteria. Never use hot tap water to prepare infant formula.

Cow’s milk should not be given to a baby under 9 months old. It contains too much protein and too many minerals for the baby’s kidneys to handle. Cow’s milk does not provide the necessary elements for your baby to develop properly.

You will further find information on how to breast-feed, express milk, use a breast pump and wean your infant. Information on breast milk, how it is produced and how to get milk production off to a good start can be found under Mother's milk.

Breastfeeding promotes a closer mother-child bond. The initial weeks of breastfeeding are a time of adaptation and learning. Mastering the technique of latching the baby to your breast can take a while at the beginning. Give yourself plenty of time and have confidence in yourself and your new baby.

Breastfeeding, like giving birth, is totally natural. And just as it’s normal to have assistance during delivery, it’s normal to need help with breastfeeding, especially at the beginning.