Breastfeeding

To nurse or not to nurse, that is the question, and a very important one.

According the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement on breastfeeding, "Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth."

The AAP policy also states, "Epidemiologic research shows that human milk and breastfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases," such as lower respiratory tract infections, UTIs, SIDs and bacterium, just to name a few.

Moreover, "There are also a number of studies that indicate possible health benefits for mothers."

If you would like to read more, check out the AAP policy statement.

Also check out the AAP's A Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding.

The CDC has information about national policies on breastfeeding, as well as other promotional and support information.