Breast milk: Best food for baby

Breastfeed is nutritiously balanced and is always at right temperature. It prevents disease in the children, comes sterilized and at right temperature. Breastfeeding doesn't cost anything and is always safe.

During the first few days after baby is born, your breasts produce colostrum, a substance which contains important ingredients including immunoglobulin or cells which aid in building up your infant's immune system.

A recent study found that breast-fed babies appears to be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes when they reach adolescence.

Breastfeeding is considered as great way for a mother to form a close bond with her infant. The babies of such mothers are much more active than bottle-feed babies.

Since breast milk is always pure, such babies have fewer bowel upsets. It's clean and simple--you don't have to wash bottles or mix formula. It's cheaper than using formula.

Studies show that woman who breastfeed their babies have fewer episodes of post-delivery depression.

Mothers who breastfeed baby loose weight easily and it also encourages her uterus to contract and get back in its normal size and position after having been stretched during pregnancy. The incidence of cancer define of breast, ovaries, anemia and osteoporosis are less in women who breastfeed. It may also help your health.

Try to breastfeed for the first 12 months of life because of the benefits to both the mother and baby.

How often should I breast-feed my baby?

According to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborn babies must be breast-feed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased activity, mouthing or rooting around for your nipple. You should not wait for baby to cry as crying is the late sign of hunger.

New mums should see a medical professional if concerned about baby's weight, breastfed babies put on weight differently to their formula-fed mates.

What if I have trouble breastfeeding?

Some woman gets accustomed to breast-feeding easily while some find it difficult to learn and thus goes through both physical and emotional distress. Hence, many health care providers suggest that women work with a lactation counselor to learn how to breastfeed and what is involved with breastfeeding.

One can find lactation counselors in many health centers, clinics, and hospitals. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife about any health concerns that may be getting in the way of successful breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor for more information about getting help with breastfeeding. Even with help, though, some women still have trouble breastfeeding or cannot breastfeed.