In addition, the breast-fed baby has a reduced risk of allergies. Human milk also contains enzymes, hormones, and hormone-like substances. All of those are thought to benefit the breast-fed infant. Breast milk supplies the right nutrients in the right amounts in a sanitary state at just the right temperature. In addition, the nursing mother has an ideal opportunity to establish a close relationship with her new baby.
Human milk is the best food for healthy, full-term infants whenever possible.
Premature infants also benefit from their own mother's milk, but they may need additional nutritional support. Breast-feeding also benefits the nursing mother. It helps control maternal blood loss and helps her to regain her pre-pregnancy weight. Recent evidence suggests it reduces the risk of breast cancer. Mothers need special support at this time because the mother's ability to produce milk and deliver it to the baby can be affected by what goes on around her.