The Breastfeeding Miracle: Breast Milk

Why Nothing Beats a Mothers Milk

When it comes to feeding babies there is nothing as good as breast milk.

For most full-term, healthy babies breast milk is the only food needed for the first six months of life.

Breast milk provides protection from infections by sharing the mother's immunities with the baby, until the baby has a chance to build up an immune system.

According to the U.S. department of Health & Human Services' Office on Women's Health, breastmilk contains more than 200 infection-fighting agents that cannot be replicated.

Studies show that babies who aren't breastfed exclusively for the first six months are more likely to develop allergies and obesity in childhood. They are also more likely to suffer more colds, flu, ear infections, and other respiratory illnesses, and make more visits to the doctor.

While many Americans know that the best form of nutrition for babies is breast milk, our nation has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the developed world - only 29% of mothers breastfeed their babies at six months postpartum.

Most expectant mothers in our country start out with the intention to breastfeed, however more than half change their minds in the early postpartum period.

Fears and doubts about breastfeeding, the perceived inconvenience, and practical barriers such as returning to work are certainly contributing factors.

Learning more about the added benefits of breastfeeding and the negative consequences associated with not breastfeeding will help expectant and soon-to-be expectant mothers and their partners make informed decisions.

What You Can Do

Breastfeeding requires practice and patience as you and your baby find what works for you both.

Here are some tips to increase your success:

 

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