Breastfeeding your baby will be especially rewarding. You will feel a special bond with your infant. You will be confident that you are providing the best nutrition for your baby. You will know that you are helping to protect your new baby from sickness, allergies, colic, constipation, asthma and SIDS.

Your breast milk will be specially made (by you!) for your baby’s needs. It is nature’s best! Breast milk is easy on your baby’s tummy, causing less gas, constipation or diarrhea. It is rare for a baby to be allergic to it’s mother’s milk. Your breast milk also changes to meet your baby’s needs as your baby ages. (See nutrition while breastfeeding) Also baby will be exposed to a few different tastes from the foods you eat! Breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight which means they are less likely to become overweight adults. Babies that breastfeed will have better developed mouths, palates, teeth and jaws than bottle fed babies who suck on rubber or silicone nipples. Babies that are breastfed have been shown in some studies to have higher IQ’s.

There are also benefits to you if you breastfeed. Breastfeeding is very inexpensive and convenient. No buying formula and bottles, no preparation of formula and bottles (unless you need a few for supplementing or if you are pumping.) Breastfeeding will also help you get back into shape faster by burning extra calories. Breastfeeding may also help protect you from heavy bleeding after the delivery, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer like breast cancer and uterine cancer.

Preparation during pregnancy for breastfeeding is usually not necessary. A change in your breasts may have been one of your first signs of pregnancy. (See breast changes in pregnancy.) And then you may be amazed at how much your breasts continue to grow during the pregnancy! Buy a good supportive bra that fits well. Talk to your health care provider or a lactation consultant if you have specific questions or problems regarding your breasts and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is natural and most babies instinctively know what to do. You may need to practice and learn techniques along with your new baby. (See breastfeeding techniques.) Seek out help from friends who have breastfed, hospital nurses, lactation consultants, physicians and books. Try to be patient and don’t give up. Breastfeeding takes practice but it will be well worth it!