There is no question that the breast milk is the best form of feeding for infants. Breast milk provides numerous health benefits not only to the baby, but also to the postpartum mother. The decision to breastfeed solely lies upon the mother's cultural, religious and personal beliefs. But more and more women today are choosing to breastfeed as they begin to understand the many advantages of this ideal nutrition source for their infants.

Advantages for the Mother

• The woman gains several physiologic benefits when she breastfeeds such as lessening the risk of having breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

• Breastfeeding enhances the formation of maternal bond and fosters trust between mother and child.

• The release of oxytocin and prolactin, which are maternal hormones, aids in the contraction and return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant state thus reducing the risk of bleeding.

• Breastfeeding is a cost-effective method compared to the more expensive commercial alternatives. It also eliminates tedious preparation time and after-care of used bottles.

• Although breastfeeding is not a foolproof way of providing contraception, most fully breastfeeding women may not ovulate for as long as 6 months.

• Some women are reluctant to start breastfeeding because they feel that this method will just tie them down. They baby should be fed every 3 to 4 hours and a lot of working mothers do not have the luxury of being at their infant's beck and call as much as they want to. But like the mother who bottle feeds, they can leave a bottle with expressed milk in a refrigerator for the remaining caregiver to use for feeding.

Advantages for the Baby

• Breast milk can strengthen the immune system of the infant through various immunoglobulins passed from the mother. Secretory Immunoglobulin A binds with large foreign protein molecules to keep certain viruses and bacteria from being absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Leukocytes in breast milk protects the respiratory tract against infection, and the presence of the bifidus factor acts on the GI tract to reduce the incidence of diarrhea.

• Certain minerals and electrolytes in human milk fosters rapid brain growth and helps develop the infant's cognitive and mental progress.

• Due to the sensitivity of the baby's new digestive system, the child may have a hard time adapting to a commercial formula. The mother's breast milk contains just the right amount of nutrients and minerals that can be tolerated by the infant.

• Owing to the breast milk's natural laxative effect, problems like constipation can be prevented.

• Breastfeeding may prevent your child to become obese later in life due to the regular feeding pattern employed at this stage of development. Breast milk also contains lesser insulin than cow's milk, which is a key factor in the creation of fat. Research shows that the hormone leptin, a substance found in breastfed infants, helps in the regulation of fat and appetite in the early years and still remains in the system much later in life.