Breastfeeding babies is recommended by all the world’s major health organisations – and with good reason; after all, a mother’s milk is the ideal food, specially designed to meet the needs of her baby. The baby gets the benefits of the immunoglobins, of ‘live’ milk, served conveniently and at the right temperature. Mum cannot over-feed her baby and breast milk delivers life-long health benefits to the baby.

In February 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised its breastfeeding recommendations; it includes a reference to ‘exclusively breast feed for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.’ These recommendations are also endorsed by the World Health Organization.

Every mother is capable of breastfeeding – a mother would have to be very ill not to be able to breast feed her baby - and mothers of premature babies and those who opt for c-section can stimulate milk supply, and there is no reason why she will not be able to fully breast feed later on, or miss out on the bonding process during breastfeeding.

But there is still a choice.

In addition to breast milk, there is express breast milk and formula milk. Express breast milk is still mother’s natural milk but needs to be stored at the correct temperature and there is less baby interaction. Formula milk products are as close as we can get to breast milk. They are well researched and controlled, and provide an alternative or even a complementary option to breast milk. If the decision is to use formula milk, then the child should be started on a standard formula, not specialized products such as hypoallergenic or anti-reflux (this should only be used on the advice of a dietician or physician).

Breastfeeding should be the preferred option. A mother must want to breast feed and may needs help and support to do it successfully. The first 6-8 weeks are the most demanding but all the issues arising – such as lack of time, tiredness, cracked nipples – should be managed, as once a mother and baby are settled, breastfeeding becomes a pleasure.

The American Hospital Dubai lactating specialists will be able to assist the mother during this period.

The decision to use formula milk or breast feed can be influenced by a number of factors, including family history, medical history/current medical status, social expectations and financial and work-related pressures.

No woman should decide on the feeding option for her baby without careful consideration. The decision should be made by the eighth month of pregnancy, to allow time to prepare for the preferred method, well in advance of labor. Feeding is a subject covered in ante-natal classes but a private consultation may be more appropriate because of the very personal nature of the decision. The decision should be made by the parents, with the help and support of family and not pressure from outside.