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Is Breastfeeding Really Better For Your Baby?
July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT

In the last few decades, pediatricians have been nearly universal in their advice to young mothers: breastfeeding is one of the healthiest things you can to for your newborn. But, how many women are actually following this advice? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for a full year and only breastfeeding for the first six months. But, according to the Center for Disease Control, only 11-percent of mothers follow this recommendation. Dr. Sandra Moore, a Pediatrician, says "One factor you look at is the convenience. As moms return to work breastfeeding becomes more inconvenient." And there are other issues: privacy, worry that your baby isn't getting enough to eat, and the fact that some women don't get much support. Dr. Moore adds that "If her mom has never breastfed, if her friends do not breast feed, or even if her significant other is not supportive of breastfeeding, then she will be less likely to continue breastfeeding as well." She says it's important to remember the benefits of breastfeeding: a smarter and healthier child. "And usually when I say things like your child will be less sick, your child will be smarter, they start to think, 'Oh, well this is really important."
Experts say during the first six months, mothers should breast feed exclusively: no formula, no juice, no solid foods.

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