The best first food

Breast milk gives a baby everything they need to grow in the first six months, including water. It protects babies from diarrhoea, pneumonia and other infections, and it is good for the mother's health too. Breast milk is free, always ready and always clean.

Start early

Put the baby to the breast within the first hour after birth. The first thick, yellowish milk (colostrum) is very valuable: it is rich in protection against infection, like a first vaccine. Do not throw it away, and do not give the newborn anything else before breastfeeding, such as sugar water, honey, ghee or tea.

Only breast milk for six months

  • For the first six months give only breast milk: no water, tea, formula, animal milk or food. Breast milk contains enough water, even in hot weather.
  • Breastfeed whenever the baby wants, day and night, usually at least 8 times in 24 hours.
  • Good attachment matters: the baby's mouth should be wide open, with much of the dark area around the nipple inside. Breastfeeding should not be painful.
  • Avoid bottles and pacifiers. They are hard to keep clean and can reduce how much the baby breastfeeds.
  • If the mother or the baby is sick, usually keep breastfeeding and ask a health worker for advice.

After six months

From six months, start giving soft, nutritious foods, and continue breastfeeding until two years of age or beyond.

Support for the mother

A breastfeeding mother needs good food, plenty of fluids, rest and support from her family. Most mothers can make enough milk: the more the baby feeds, the more milk the body makes.

When to see a doctor

See a health worker if breastfeeding is painful, the nipples are cracked, the baby never seems satisfied, does not pass urine several times a day, or is not gaining weight. See a health worker quickly if a breast is red, hot and painful and the mother has a fever. Go to the nearest hospital immediately if the baby stops feeding, is very sleepy or has difficulty breathing.

For breastfeeding questions, book a consultation with a doctor in the app or visit a clinic.