Yet despite a decade of encouraging more American mothers to breast-feed their infants, not enough do. The onus isn't just on moms. Support from the baby's father and grandmothers, and clear-cut doctor's advice, play huge roles in her decision. Add shortened hospital stays and there's little time to ensure that new mothers aren't finding breast-feeding difficult or painful. Studies suggest breast-fed babies also may be less likely to develop asthma, diabetes or childhood cancer.
Mothers benefit, too, shedding pregnancy pounds faster.
Babies with a rare metabolic disorder need plant-derived formula. But most women can breast-feed, stressed report chairwoman Suzanne Haynes of the Department of Health and Human Services. Be patient and get somebody to help you. Mother and baby should sleep in the same room so the baby can feed quickly on demand.