Breastfeeding offers significant short- and long-term benefits for both mother and baby, with breast milk uniquely meeting the baby’s nutritional needs and providing protective antibodies. Support from healthcare professionals like midwives or maternal child health nurses is available for challenges that may arise. Proper positioning and attachment are crucial for effective feeding, ensuring the baby receives enough milk and preventing maternal discomfort.

Babies should be breastfed on demand, typically every two to four hours for young infants, with feeding duration and frequency adjusting as they grow. Adequate milk intake can be assessed by checking for frequent wet nappies, consistent growth, and alertness. Expressing and storing breast milk is an option for mothers returning to work or if the baby is unable to breastfeed, with guidelines provided for storage duration.

Common breastfeeding problems include oversupply or undersupply of milk, and mastitis. Strategies are offered to address these, such as adjusting feeding frequency or seeking professional help. The document also addresses common questions, advising on the introduction of solids around six months of age while continuing breastfeeding, and outlining dietary considerations for breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing avoidance of alcohol, limiting caffeine, and seeking medical advice for medications.

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