Question 01:

Is breast feeding beneficial for babies and mothers?
Yes
No
Check answer

Explanation

Breast-feeding is recommended until 12 months of age and therefore as long as mutually desired. If breast milk is discontinued before 12 months of age, a commercial age appropriated infant formula should be used as the main source of milk. Cow's milk should not be commenced prior to 12 months of age as it may cause iron deficiency, anaemia and constipation.

Benefits to infant:
  • Balanced nutrition
  • Reduced incidence and duration of diarrhoeal illness, otitis media
  • Protection against respiratory illness
  • Reduced risk of asthma, cow's milk allergy, otitis media
  • Possible reduced risk of, type 1 diabetes, adiposity, asthma
  • Improved visual acuity and psychomotor development and higher IQ scores
  • Reduced malocclusion as a result of better jaw shape and development
  • Positive interaction with mother
Benefits to mother:
  • Convenience
  • Accelerated uterine involution and reduced risk of hemorrhaging
  • Prolonged post partum infertility
  • Possible accelerated weight loss
  • Reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer
  • Possible reduced risk of ovarian cancer
  • Possible improved bone mineralisation
  • Positive interaction with baby

Question 02:

At what age would you introduce foods other than breast milk or formula to your baby?
2 to 4 months
4 to 6 months
6 to 8 months
8 to 10 months
10 to 12 months
Check answer

Explanation - Introduction of other foods

Exclusive breast feeding to the age of about 6 months gives the best nutritional start to infants. Current evidence suggests that likelihood of atopy is reduced if foods are introduced between 4-6 months. After 6 months continued breast-feeding for at least 12 months, along with complementary foods will bring continuing benefits. Appropriate foods after 4 to 6 months aid in developmental progress and nutritional intake (exclusive breast feeding after 9 months may cause nutritional inadequacy, particularly iron intake).

Single foods such as fruits, vegetables, rice cereal should be offered first with gradual introduction of other cereal foods, meat and meat alternatives and dairy foods.

Texture needs to be changed to soft lumps by 7-9 months from the initial smooth puree, and soft finger foods when the child is developmentally ready. Cows milk can be offered as the main drink from 12 months by which time the child should be eating a range of family foods.

Choking on small hard foods or food pieces is a risk for babies and toddlers.
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