A mother's milk promotes optimum health and development for babies. It is uniquely designed to meet the complete nutritional needs of the growing infant.

Breast milk protects the infant against illness throughout the entire 1st year and beyond, as long as nursing continues.

Human milk contains proteins that promote brain development and specific immunities against human illness.

Babies who are breastfed are less likely to become ill and need hospitalization.

Diarrhea, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and bacterial meningitis are less common among breastfed infants.

Breastfed babies are less likely to have colic, constipation or allergic disorders.

Overfeeding and obesity is less likely when a baby is breastfed. These conditions can persist into childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Breastfeeding also has beneficial effects on a woman's body:

• Studies report lower rates of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.
• Some studies suggest that nursing offers protection against osteoporosis.
• Nursing uses extra calories, which can help new mothers lose pregnancy pounds. It also helps contract the uterus back to its original size.
• Mothers who breastfeed know that it is the best nourishment and protection for their babies. They nurse for the health benefits, and they nurse because they love and enjoy the experience.