Her son Isaac entered the world on Monday and while it's early days, Mrs Bowman hopes to give her premature baby the best start in life.

"When I had Eli, who's now three, I didn't have the opportunity to breastfeed because I was sick myself and I really tried but this time I really hope I can," Mrs Bowman said.

"I think it's really important to breastfeed because of the advice we are given, that attachment you have with your bub, and it's natural," she said from her Wollongong Hospital bed.

"But at the end of the day you've got to do what's best for your bub.

"It's optimal but if you can't do it and you try that's what counts.

"As long as your baby is happy."

Wollongong Hospital Maternity Service and the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) have joined forces this week to educate mums about the benefits of breastfeeding.

"Current advice to women is to exclusively breastfeed until six months of age and to continue breastfeeding, together with appropriate foods, until at least 12 months or beyond," said Wollongong Hospital midwifery educator Denis Wann.

"We know that breastfeeding is the most beneficial method of feeding babies, with positive immediate and long-term health benefits for both mum and baby," Mr Wann said.

"Breastfeeding provides all of a baby's essential needs for growth, development and protection from illness and disease."

Mr Wann said World Breastfeeding Week gave health workers the chance to stress the importance of breastfeeding and tell Illawarra mums about the support available.

ABA chief executive officer Rebecca Naylor said the organisation runs an accreditation program for businesses who wish to support breastfeeding mothers by becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.

"The ABA is using World Breastfeeding Week to encourage more local workplaces to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees," Ms Naylor said.

"Everyone wins when a workplace becomes breastfeeding friendly; companies who provide support for breastfeeding have consistently reported lower absenteeism, improved morale, better satisfaction and higher productivity."