The antibodies found in breastmilk help protect a child from many diseases and infections. Children who are breastfed also are less likely to develop allergies or obesity. Breastfeeding for at least 6 months also helps protect against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Breastfeeding also helps mother and baby bond, because of the close physical contact involved.

Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after delivery. It also cuts the risk for breast cancer in women who have not gone through menopause. Although a woman loses some bone mass when first breastfeeding (because breast milk contains calcium), breastfeeding does not increase the risk for osteoporosis. With a proper diet, your bone density recovers after you stop breastfeeding. Overall, the longer you breastfeed, the better it is for both you and your child. Women should continue breastfeeding for a year or more, if they want to.

Before your baby is born, talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding. It is best to start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Also ask that you and your baby stay together in the hospital as much as possible. During that time, your baby should be undressed on your bare chest--skin to skin--as much as possible. This will help you get a good start on breastfeeding. Many hospitals have lactation consultants on hand to help new mothers with breastfeeding. Check with your hospital for the name of a breastfeeding group in your area. Often these groups provide counseling and support for new mothers at no charge.

Prolactin stimulates mammary glands in the breast to make milk. Oxytocin stimulates the breast to release milk. Estrogen is found in many birth control pills and can decrease milk supply. Many types of birth control can be used with breastfeeding. Discuss breastfeeding and birth control with your healthcare provider.

This first milk is yellow or orange in color. It contains a lot of nutrients, cells, and antibodies to help the newborn. It is small in amount, but is all your baby needs at this time. Mature milk usually "comes in" several days later. This later milk is slightly thinner and white. As you continue to breastfeed, the milk changes to meet the needs of a growing baby.

This is more often than formula-fed babies eat, because breast milk is digested more quickly than formula. Babies should be fed when they are hungry—-about every 2 to 3 hours while they are awake. A baby who is hungry may look wide awake, smack his or her lips, or nuzzle to show his or her hunger. Putting hands near the mouth, fussing, and crying are later signs of hunger. Feeding when your baby is overhungry can make it harder for your baby to latch at first.

After the normal weight loss that follows delivery, a steady weight gain is most important. Having frequent wet diapers is also important. The urine in the diapers should be pale yellow, not deep yellow or orange. Stools should be loose and yellow-colored. When you are breastfeeding, listen for gulping sounds so that you know your baby is actually swallowing milk. The baby's jaw should move in a slow, steady manner as he or she sucks and swallows. If you baby is getting enough milk, he or she will be sleeping well, but look alert and healthy when awake.

You don't need to follow any specific diet to breastfeed. It is best to get these extra calories from healthy sources, such as dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. You need to drink whenever you are thirsty, but there is no "set" amount you must drink in order to make enough milk.

Many medicines are safe to take while you are breastfeeding, but check with your health care provider before you take any medication or herbal product. Medicines may also affect your milk supply. Avoid drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Don't smoke around your child.

A woman with HIV should not breastfeed because she may give the infection to her child. A woman who is infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may breastfeed her baby. There is no evidence that breastfeeding spreads HCV. It may be possible to spread HCV through breastfeeding if the mother’s nipples are cracked or bleeding. A woman with tuberculosis may breastfeed as long she has received treatment. A woman with diabetes may also breastfeed but may need to pay more attention to diet to make sure her blood sugar levels don't drop. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about whether you should breastfeed.