When you are breastfeeding at home, or when a child sees another mum breastfeeding, they may ask this question, or something like it.
3, 4 and 5-year-olds
We offer this suggestion for the very young child with questions.
After a mummy has her baby, she makes milk in her breasts. The baby suckles on the mummy’s nipple and the milk comes out. The milk is the baby’s food. The baby will be healthy and happy because it has its milk from its mummy.
6, 7 and 8-year-olds
For children this age we offer this response.
When a woman is pregnant her breasts start to make changes so they can make milk for the baby when it is born. Breastmilk is made in the woman’s breasts. When the newborn baby starts to suckle on the nipple then the flow of milk starts. Breastmilk is the baby’s food and water – it has everything the baby needs to grow and be healthy. Some mums can’t breastfeed, or choose not to, and so then they can use a milk formula and feed the baby with a bottle.
9 and 10-year-olds
11 and 12 year-olds
13, 14 and 15 year-olds
16, 17 and 18 year-olds
For children from upper primary age through to the teenage years this answer can help any conversation you are having about reproduction and babies.
When a woman is pregnant her breasts start to make changes so they can make milk for the baby when it is born. Breastmilk is made in the woman’s breasts. When the newborn baby starts to suckle on the nipple then the flow of milk starts.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a baby. Breastmilk has everything a baby needs to grow and be healthy – so all the protein, vitamins and minerals they need. Breastmilk also has antibodies that protect a baby from infection and disease. And of course, it is also free, and mums can feed their baby whenever and wherever they need to. Mums say that breastfeeding helps them bond with their baby. A mum can breastfeed her baby for as long as she wants. Breast milk is all the baby needs until 6 months old, but mums can breastfeed their baby for longer than that.
Some mums can’t breastfeed, or they might choose not to, and so then they can use a milk formula and feed the baby with a bottle.