Many women who plan to breastfeed wonder about the best way to prepare. A common myth is that women must “toughen” their nipples, although there is no evidence that this is necessary or helpful. If the nipples are flat or inverted before delivery, it is occasionally difficult for an infant to latch-on. However, there is [...]

There are a number of benefits of breastfeeding, many of which continue even after breastfeeding is discontinued. The benefits for the infant and mother increase as breastfeeding continues. However, even breastfeeding for a short period of time provides some protection. For Families - Families who breastfeed experience:   Reduced infant feeding costs. Infant formula and associated supplies are [...]

Most national and international groups recommend exclusive breastfeeding without the use of infant formula or other foods or liquids for the first six months, and partial breastfeeding for at least 12 months. Despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of breastfeeding, in the United States, only about 74 percent of women breastfeed immediately after birth and [...]

Human milk is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for all newborn infants. Breast milk promotes development of the infant’s immune system and meets the nutritional needs of a full-term infant until approximately six months of age, when complementary foods and fluids are usually added to the diet. In the coming weeks we will [...]