It has been called one of the most important influences on children's health, and yet fewer than half of new American mothers, and about 38 percent of new mothers at Floyd Medical Center, nurse their infants. Breast feeding is mother nature's way of making sure that babies get good nutrition and a temporary immunity from many infectious diseases, according to FMC's lactation consultant, Kathy Kerce, RN, Women's Health Clinical Care Coordinator.
Breast milk provides nutrition that is perfect for the growing baby.
Recent studies have shown that the type of fat found in breast milk plays an important role in infant brain development. Breast fed infants also grow more rapidly during the first few months of life than do formula fed babies. And, breast milk helps protect infants from disease. Breast fed babies have fewer allergies, and because it is sterile and easier to digest, they have less diarrhea and a lowered risk of serious bowel disorders. And because breast milk contains less protein and minerals than cow's milk, it reduces the load on the infant's kidneys.