New and expectant mothers are being urged to breast feed their infants, to benefit their own health.

Many studies have shown that breast milk can benefit a baby's health and can even improve their IQ, but those in dietitian jobs claim many new mums are unaware that breastfeeding can actually improve their health too. Research has shown that breastfeeding can lower a woman's risk of cancer and heart disease.

Health experts recommend that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their baby's life, continuing to breast feed till their child's first birthday, whilst solids are slowly introduced. Despite this, only fifty-six per cent of infants are fully breastfed at three months.

Claire Hewat, the CEO of the Dietitians Association of Australia, told Medical News Today that the benefits of breastfeeding, stay with mothers for years.

"Mums who breastfeed have a lower risk of pre menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding also boost the immune system, speeds up recovery after child birth and helps the mother return to their pre pregnancy weight."

Practising Dietitian, Kate Di Prima said many women are confused as to what they should eat whilst breastfeeding. She advised that breastfeeding women should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals, with their diet containing moderate amounts of reduced fat dairy foods and lean meat.

"New mums don't need to eat a lot of extra food or 'special' foods to make breast milk. But a healthy diet will help produce breast milk with the right balance of energy, protein and vitamins - and helps mums feel better and have more energy," she said.