Making the right choices when it comes to feeding your new baby will help to ensure he gets a good start in life.

Breastfeeding isn't recommended for all women. For example, those who are HIV-positive risk transmitting the disease to their baby through their milk. If you're taking any medication you should also check with your doctor or midwife before breastfeeding.

The colostrum soon changes and becomes thin and white (transitional milk). Then, on the third to fourth day, the mature breastmilk starts to come through.
At each feed the breasts produce two types of milk: foremilk, which is produced at the beginning of a feed, and hindmilk, which has more fat, energy and essential nutrients. As babies grow it's important that they receive the hindmilk in order to meet their nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding uses at least 500 calories a day. Much of this energy can be derived from fat stores laid down in pregnancy, but many women also experience an increase in their appetite. Sensations of hunger and thirst are particularly intense during this period, and new mums should be encouraged to respond to these signals. The stress and tiredness of early motherhood, as well as the demands of breastfeeding, mean this is not a good time to diet or limit your food intake.
It's important that this increased appetite is satisfied with foods of a high nutritional quality, not fatty and sugary foods alone. Requirements for protein, calcium, folate and vitamins C and A increase significantly while breastfeeding. This necessitates a balanced intake of foods as illustrated in the table below.

Sufficient fluid is also vital. All lactating women should drink more than usual (at least eight glasses of fluids a day) and shouldn't ignore thirst; it's often the first sign of dehydration. Caffeine (from tea, coffee and some soft drinks) and alcohol are excreted in breastmilk, so excessive quantities should be avoided. Sufficient fluid is also vital. All lactating women should drink more than usual (at least eight glasses of fluids a day) and shouldn't ignore thirst; it's often the first sign of dehydration. Caffeine (from tea, coffee and some soft drinks) and alcohol are excreted in breastmilk, so excessive quantities should be avoided.

There should be no need to avoid any particular foods while breastfeeding. Some mother say certain foods, such as onions, garlic and citrus fruits, seem to upset their babies. However, you should always check with a health professional before omitting any foods from your diet to avoid a deficiency in any vitamins or minerals.
Small amounts of alcohol pass into breastmilk, making it smell different, which may affect your baby's feeding, sleeping or digestion. Stick within the daily limits for women of between two and three units.
It has been suggested that avoiding potentially allergenic agents during early life could reduce the incidence of allergies. The Department of Health advises that women who are atopic (suffer from inherited allergies such as eczema, hayfever or asthma) or who have an atopic partner may consider avoiding obvious sources of peanuts during pregnancy and lactation. A lack of research data, however, means advice has not yet been extended to other allergenic foods.

Using formula milk is sometimes necessary and, indeed, may be the preferred option for some mothers. While formula milk can't match the important immunological benefits of breastmilk, it's nutritional composition is as close to breastmilk as possible.
There are two types of formula milk: whey-dominant and casein-dominant. Both are based on cow's milk. Whey-dominant milks are the most highly modified and closest to breastmilk; therefore, these are considered to be the most suitable for babies less than three months old. Casein-dominant feeds are marketed as more suitable for older or hungrier babies. Although they have the same nutritional composition, it may be that the type of curds formed in the stomach from casein take longer to digest, leaving the baby feeling fuller for longer.