There is compelling evidence that breastfeeding benefits mothers, fathers, and babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies, with few exceptions, be breastfed for at least 6-12 months. Nonetheless, fewer than one-half of the nearly four million babies born each year in the United States are breastfed, most for less than three months. Breastfeeding is a wonderful part of parenting and one way to hold, touch, and know your baby from the moment of birth. Human milk contains more than 200 nutrients and living cells and is nature's way of protecting and nourishing human infants.
Human milk is always available and requires no preparation, sterilization, or refrigeration.
In addition, human milk changes to meet the needs of a growing baby. Because human milk is easily digested, breastfed babies seldom have problems with gas, colic, or spitting up. Breastfeeding benefits both moms and dads. Women who breastfeed have less blood loss after birth and lose pregnancy weight sooner. Breastfeeding also protects women from breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.