Why Breastfeed?

"The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and a mother should not be made to feel guilty if she cannot, or chooses not to breastfeed. The success rate among mothers who choose to breastfeed can be greatly improved through active support from their families, friends, clinicians, health care leaders, employers and policy makers"

"Given the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of mothers and children, it is critical that we take action across the country to support breastfeeding."

-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Executive Summary: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Washington, DC; 2011

	What do doctors say? Medical experts recommend giving only breastmilk - no other food or drink – not even water –for the first six months of baby’s life. Learn more about Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk » Health care leaders across the world recommend continued breastfeeding for at least the first 1-2 years and beyond, as mother and infant choose.

	Making the decision to breastfeed Every mom and baby is different and your breastfeeding journey will be unique to you. The first step is learning about breastfeeding. When you feed your baby breast milk you give them a healthy start that lasts a lifetime. Learn more » Breastfeeding helps a mother's health and healing after childbirth. Breastfeeding leads to lower risk of diabetes and cancer.

	How Breastmilk Compares with Formula Breastmilk has hundreds of growth and immunity factors that formula can never have. Breastmilk changes over time to meet baby's needs. Learn more about the difference between human milk and formulas.

	Do you need help with breastfeeding? Mothers who talk with their doctors about breastfeeding before baby is born have less problems breastfeeding. Breastfeeding classes and Lactation consultants are available near you. Learn more »

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Why Breastfeed?