Breastfeeding Guide

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your baby only breast milk until your baby is 6 months old, and to continue breastfeeding with addition of solid food until your baby is at least one year old, preferably longer.  

Benefits of Breastfeeding

• Breast milk protects against many viral and bacterial illnesses like colds and ear infections.

• Breast milk is easy on your baby’s system so constipation, stomach upset and diarrhea are less likely to occur.

• Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.

• Breastfeeding provides time to be close to your baby

• Breast milk contains substances only found in breast milk to help your baby’s brain and eyes develop.

• Breast milk provides some protection against diabetes and some bowel conditions.

• Women who breastfeed usually lose weight faster.

• Women who breastfeed develop stronger bones.

• Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop cancer of the ovaries and breasts.

Breast milk is always ready. It is economical because there is no need to buy formula and there are less doctor and drug costs. And breast milk helps the environment by preventing waste from bottles.