Breastfeeding your baby is the perfect way of giving him or her nourishment. Breast milk contains nutrients babies need for them to grow and stay healthy. Almost all mothers can produce breast milk but sadly some of them can't or won't breastfeed their babies because of some inaccurate information.

Colostrum (the sticky yellowish substance produced by mothers after pregnancy or what is technically called breast milk) is highly recommended by experts as the best source of nourishment for the newly born infant. It is ideal that they be breastfed immediately upon birth and should be done continuously until the baby reaches six months.

There are a lot of benefits to breastfeeding. Even if it were given for a short period of time, breast milk can do wonders to your baby's immune system. Here are many other advantages of breastfeeding to the mother, her baby and the society.

• Breast milk is the perfect form of nourishment for babies. It has just the right amounts of nutrients such as protein, sugar, water and fat that are all needed for a baby's healthy growth and development. Plus, breast milk can easily be digested by most babies as compared to formula milk. As a result, children who were breastfed grow perfectly as they should. They will not be obese or have excess weight. They tend to be leaner and less overweight as they grow up.

• Studies show that breast milk contains the ideal amounts of the amino acids taurine, cystine and methionine that are essential for a child's brain development. Thus, babies that were fed with breast milk tend to have higher IQ levels than those who weren't. They develop better mental and analytic skills.

• Babies that were born prematurely do better as compared to those who were given formula milk.

• Babies are given greater immune health and reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as middle ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and respiratory illnesses. Plus, it also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes (type 1 and type 2), leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease.

• For mothers, breastfeeding burns up those extra calories thus helping reduce the extra pounds gained as a result of pregnancy although diet and exercise is still necessary.

• Studies have shown that breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

• Breastfeeding strengthens that special bond between the mother and the child. The physical contact a baby receives from the mother is very important. This can help the baby feel more secure, comforted and loved. Plus, this is one of those treasured moments where a mother and child just takes time off together to relax.

• Feeding your newborn with breast milk can be very economical saving time, money, and energy thus making your lives easier. You no longer have to wait in line to purchase formula milk for your baby then have to measure and mix them plus sterilize baby bottles in the middle of the night. What's even better is you can easily provide your baby with proper nourishment the minute he gets hungry. No need to hear prolonged cries from your little one while you wait for his bottle to cool at the ideal temperature.