Guide Note: When an infant gets its source of food through a woman's breast milk it is called breastfeeding. A mother's milk is is tailored to every nutritional need of her baby. Research has proved that babies that are breast fed have fewer and less serious illnesses. These reduced illnesses include fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, SIDS and diabetes. Breast fed babies also have less diarrhea.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding for at least the first six months after birth but preferably for the first year. Even if a baby is breast fed for only a few weeks after birth it still gives tremendous benefits. There are also benefits to the mother who breast feeds. Nursing for only a few months can reduce the risks of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer. A breast feeding mother is benefiting herself and her baby at the same time.