Breastfeeding Basics for Mom & Baby

Breastfeeding is such a precious experience to share with your young baby and really brings you closer to your child, physically and emotionally. The benefits of breastfeeding definitely go far beyond providing nutrition for your baby. 
 
Breastfeeding is natural; you just need patience and practice for you and your baby to get the hang of it. It’s worth the effort because your breastmilk is perfect food your body makes specifically for your baby’s nutritional needs and optimal growth.
 
Breastfeeding is proven to reduce risk of infection and disease by aiding in immune system development. Breastfed infants have lower incidences of asthma, gastrointestinal illness, diabetes, cancers, and are less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 
 
They are additionally better able to absorb ingested nutrients, and receive greater immunity from childhood immunizations. Breastfeeding also lowers a mothers lifetime risk of many cancers.
 
About video: New moms, a lactation consultant, and a pediatrician weigh in on the basics of breastfeeding.