Breastmilk is, without question, the best source of nutrition for newborn babies. It's packed with antibodies and helps to establish the baby's immune system.

Babies who are breastfed exclusively are reported to be at less risk of stomach upsets and infections of the ear, respiratory and urinary tracts than those who are bottlefed formula milk. They're also less likely to become obese or suffer from constipation and vomiting. If there is a family history of allergies or diabetes, breastfed babies are less likely to develop these; if they do, they're likely to do so later.

Day	Milk	Description
1 - 3	Colostrum	Thick, yellowy milk, high in protein, antibodies and some vitamins and minerals
3 - 7	Transitional	Thinner, white appearance. Composition approaching mature milk.
7 - 10	Mature	More watery appearance, almost blue in colour as the feeding begins and becoming white by the end of a feed as the fat content increases.

Breastmilk contains substances that help the development of a baby's brain, retinas, gut lining and protective sheath for the central nervous system. And there's more. Not only does breastmilk contain all the nutrients a baby needs, it also holds hormonal factors that help the baby's growth and development. It carries digestive enzymes, too, which help to digest the nutrients in the milk, helping the baby's immature digestive tract.

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.

During the first few days after the birth, the breasts produce a substance called colostrum. This yellowish fluid is packed with antibodies and is very rich in protein, making it ideal for newborn babies.

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.