Every expectant mother knows breast milk is the best food for her baby. Even feeding for a short time has benefits for you and your child. If you're in doubt over what to do, give breast-feeding a try.

Breast-feeding doesn't necessarily work for every mother and baby. If you do end up bottle-feeding, don't feel guilty. The important thing is that you and your baby are happy and relaxed about feeding.

Breast milk is the best milk
Breast milk is ideally suited to your baby's needs. It carries all the nutrients required by your baby till at least 6 months old. Its composition adapts to your baby's age and to the weather. Immunity to diseases is passed in breast milk and it's designed for your baby's immature digestive system.

If your baby has a genetic predisposition to allergies, breast-feeding prevents him from receiving 'foreign' proteins, which can trigger allergies. Breast milk is sterile, the right temperature and on tap. Once breast-feeding is going well, it gives mothers enormous satisfaction and enjoyment. It even makes your brain produce a 'happy, sleepy' hormone.

Breast-feeding is a skill
While breast-feeding is natural, it's also a skill. Learning to breast-feed takes time and commitment. You are 'on call' all the time because no one can take your place, unless you express some milk and bottle it. You have to think about what you eat and drink and be careful of taking medicines. Producing all that milk can tire you out, too! Some evenings you know you just don't have enough.

In the early days, with sodden breast pads and sore nipples, you may wonder why breast-feeding is said to be so convenient. But if you persevere, you'll find it gets easier and even becomes a pleasure. Holding a plump, 4 month old baby, knowing his every fat cell came from you gives an enormous feeling of triumph.

With bottles, you know what your baby's getting
If you're using bottles, you know how much your baby's getting. You don't have to do all the feeds yourself. Your baby's father can experience the steady gaze of a feeding infant. You can bottle-feed anywhere, if you arm yourself with a thermos flask and a container for milk powder. But it does require is a bit of forethought and a heavy bag full of kit.

Bottles create domestic drudgery
A lot of time goes into washing, sterilizing and preparing bottles. Formula milk's not as digestible as breast - your baby is more likely to become constipated. The kit that goes with bottle-feeding adds bulk to luggage. But most importantly, formula milk doesn't protect your baby against diseases.

• What Else Should Parents Know About Their Baby's Diet?
• ... Or Ask Our Paediatric Dietitian, Dave Swain
• What If A Baby Doesn't Like Milk?
• Breastfeeding Support From www.laleche.org.uk