Medical findings show breast milk is superior in nutrients to formula milk and has many added health benefits for your baby.

Breastfeeding:

* Protects your baby from illness and infection.

* Provides the correct food for your baby.

* Helps the development of your growing baby.

Research shows that babies who are not breastfed have a higher risk of cot death and an increased likelihood of developing allergies.

Most babies have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so you can start breastfeeding straightaway if you are both well. The more milk your baby takes from the breast, the more milk your breast will make.

The colostrum your baby receives in the first few days, and the breast milk that follows, contain antibodies that provide resistance to infection.

The unique combination of fatty acids and other components in breast milk contribute to optimal brain development.

As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to meet his/her developing needs. Some mothers experience difficulties breastfeeding, especially in the early days. That is why St John of God Hospital, Berwick, follows a 10-point plan to help new mums wishing to breastfeed.

St John of God's lactation consultant, Christine Brown, can advise, guide and support mums and babies to feed the natural way.

For further information, call St John of God's maternity unit on 9709 1400.

Since its humble beginnings in 1940 St John of God Berwick has delivered thousands of young City of Casey residents.

The Berwick & District Bush Nursing Hospital, as it was known in the early days, had a seven-bed capacity and employed three staff.

A baby health centre formed part of the new hospital without extra charge to subscribers.

Today, after an award-winning $14.5 million redevelopment, the hospital has increased its capacity tenfold and includes a 30-bed nursing home.

Hospital facts: 1956 - 83 babies born - 193 patients.

2008-09 - 600-plus babies born - 9089 inpatients and more than 5000 day patients.