 	        			Breastfeeding — Best For Baby. Best For Mom.

In the news

Whether you are a new or expecting Mom, if you are
on this section of the web site, you're probably
interested in giving your baby the best care you
can. And one of the best things that only you can
do is to breastfeed for as long as possible. While
breastfeeding isn't the only option for feeding
your baby, every mother has the potential to
succeed and make it a wonderful experience. Or
maybe you are the partner or a family member of a
breastfeeding Mom and would like to learn more
about breastfeeding. You've come to the right
place! Here we provide practical, helpful
breastfeeding information. Dive into our resources
to find out how breastfeeding can be one of the
most important things you do for both you and your
baby!

Why Should You Breastfeed Your Baby?

Best for Baby

Mother breastfeeding.A mother's milk has just the
right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein
that is needed for a baby's growth and
development. Most babies find it easier to digest
breast milk than they do formula. Breast milk has
agents (called antibodies) in it to help protect
infants from bacteria and viruses and to help them
fight off infection and disease. Human milk
straight from the breast is always sterile.

More detail on benefits for baby.
Best for Mom

Mother breastfeeding.Breastfeeding saves times and
money. You do not have to purchase, measure, and
mix formula, and there are no bottles to warm in
the middle of the night. Breastfeeding also helps
a mother bond with her baby. Physical contact is
important to newborns and can help them feel more
secure, warm and comforted. Nursing uses up extra
calories, making it easier to lose the pounds
gained from pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to
get back to its original size more quickly and
lessens any bleeding a woman may have after giving
birth. Breastfeeding also may lower the risk of
breast and ovarian cancers.

More detail on benefits for mom.
The U.S. Surgeon General Recommends Breastfeeding

Mother breastfeeding.The U.S. Surgeon General
recommends that babies be fed with breast milk
only — no formula — for the first 6 months of
life. It is better to breastfeed for 6 months and
best to breastfeed for 12 months, or for as long
as you and your baby wish. Solid foods can be
introduced when the baby is 6 months old, while
you continue to breastfeed.


Text last updated May 2005
Source: Womenhealth.gov