Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. There are many great benefits of breastfeeding, such as helping to protect your baby from sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Identified as one of six Safe Sleep Recommendations, Red Nose encourages breastfeeding. It is also recommended by the World Health Organisation to exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months, then introduce solid foods while continuing to breastfeed until at least the age of two.
However, we understand breastfeeding is not always possible. Parents and carers using formula to feed their baby can follow the other five evidence-based Safe Sleep Recommendations to reduce the risk of SUDI.
Breastfeeding can lower the risk of SUDI by more than half.
Recent studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SUDI. The reasons behind this protection are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to maternal behaviour, mechanisms of breastfeeding and components of breastmilk. Scientific research suggests that breast milk contains important substances that boost a baby’s immune system and brain development.
Additionally, breastfeeding optimises oral development and alignment that reduces obstruction of your baby’s airways. Mechanics of breastfeeding promotes coordination of breathing and swallowing. Furthermore, breastfeeding increases arousal as your baby wakes more frequently for feeds, which offers greater protection during sleep cycles.
Key benefits of breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding helps your baby grow strong and healthy and can lower the risk of many illnesses like infections, respiratory conditions such as asthma, and some childhood cancers, primarily leukaemia and lymphoma.
- Breastfed babies tend to have better food tolerance and digestion and less reflux.
- Breastfeeding promotes optimal brain development and reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
- Breastfeeding promotes physical and neurological development for premature babies.
- Breastfeeding helps you and your baby establish a bond.
- Breastfeeding can help your baby sleep more safely, reducing the risk of SIDS and SUDI.
Seek guidance and support
Red Nose recognises that breastfeeding may be challenging. Common difficulties may include low milk supply, fast let-down/fast flow, blocked milk duct, mastitis, nipple damage and thrush, and difficulties latching. If you are experiencing such concerns, speak to your Maternal Child Health Nurse or GP for advice.
Visit the Raising Children Network website for helpful tips and tools relating to breastfeeding and bottle feeding your baby. Additionally, you might like to access Karitane’s Virtual Breastfeeding Clinics and Tresillian’s Virtual Residential Parenting Service for further support.
If challenges around feeding are impacting your thoughts or ability to cope, speak to your Maternal and Child Healthcare Nurse (MCHN) and medical practitioner about how you have been feeling. You can also access support via these helplines:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association - 1800 686 268
- Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) – 1300 726 306
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Be sure to reach out to your family and friends for additional support.
Please remember if breastfeeding is not possible, you can focus on the other five evidence-based Safe Sleep Recommendations to reduce your baby’s risks of SUDI.
Red Nose is here to support you every step of the way. If you need more Safe Sleep advice, you can ask our Red Nose Educators questions through our website or by calling our Safe Sleep Advice line 1300 998 698, 9am to 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.
We also have downloadable education brochures available here.
Last modified: 29/8/24