Breast milk is best for your baby

Breast milk is best for babies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. At around six months of age (but not before 4 months), infants should receive nutritionally adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

Abbott Singapore fully recognises breast milk’s primacy, value and superiority and supports exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO.

The content on this website is intended as general information for Singaporean residents only and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your healthcare practitioner. The HPB recommends that infants start on age-appropriate complementary foods at around 6 months, whilst continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. If no longer breastfeeding, toddlers can switch to full cream milk after 12 months. This should be complemented by a good variety of solid foods from the four main food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and alternatives). For more information on the nutritional requirements of infants and young children, please visit www.healthhub.sg/earlynutrition.

OK 

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

The basics of self-care during pregnancy

Many couples conceive almost as soon as they start trying but some are not so fortunate. In fact, one out of five married couples in Singapore has problems trying to conceive.
shutterstock_85654102-1.jpg

Common Causes of Infertility

Medical Factors

For females, it may be problems with ovulation. Some do not ovulate or have irregular menstrual cycles where ovulation is unpredictable. Another common problem is endometriosis where there is a back flow of menstrual blood into the pelvis. This causes scarring of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, leading to impaired fertility. For men, the most common problem is sperm dysfunction with low sperm count. In cases where there is no sperm production or where the ducts are blocked, pregnancy will be difficult to achieve.

Age

Fertility declines with age. The optimal age for conception is between 22 and 26 years of age. The ability to conceive is reduced after the age of 30. It dips by half after the age of 35 and by another half every subsequent five years. Male fertility declines after the age of 40 as the quantity and quality of sperm deteriorate. Couples over 35 years of age who have had regular unprotected sex for six months without conceiving should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Body Weight

For women, being overweight or underweight may affect ovulation. Women who are overweight tend to have more complications during pregnancy and birth, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Underweight women, on the other hand, tend to deliver low birth weight babies.

Timing

The timing for the sperm and egg to meet is also critical. The best days to procreate are likely to be 12 to 16 days into a woman's menstrual cycle when ovulation is expected to occur.

Lifestyle

Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs affect fertility. These toxic substances can cause the menstrual cycle to be irregular and can also affect the quality and quantity of sperm. The risk of miscarriages and having abnormal babies is also increased.

Stress

Stress can also lead to infertility. In women, the menstruation cycle can become irregular or absent. In men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction as well as low and malfunctioning sperm. Stress also suppresses sexual desire, thereby reducing the frequency of sexual intercourse.

Diet

Food and fertility are linked. A balanced diet with optimal amounts of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals will improve a couple's chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.

Enhance Your Fertility

Reduce stress. Rest and recreation are important when trying to conceive.
Cut down on cigarettes and alcohol and avoid illicit drugs.
Maintain a healthy body weight with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

VideoTileImage2_withoutButton
 

healthy confinement recipe 1:
Braised chicken in ginger wolfberry milk

Credit: Gleneagles Singapore and Chef Catan Tan, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore

Free similac mum samples

Sign up and have a free sample sent to your door! SimilacMum-FreeSample-Packshot-v2.png

ABBOTT NUTRITION'S

RECIPES

Abbott’s milk can give added nutrition to your meals. Casserole_potato.png
helpfultips.png

HELPFUL TOOLS

Stay informed, get educated and have fun with these useful online tools.

GET IN TOUCH

ABBOTT NUTRITION CARELINE

6278-6220

Careline hours are from Mon to Fri. 9 am to 5 pm (excluding PH)