breastfeeding

Breastfeeding or nursing is the feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman's breast. It is recommended to begin breastfeeding within the first hour of life and to allow it as often and as much as the baby wants. During the first few weeks of life babies may nurse eight to twelve times a day (every two to three hours). The duration of a feeding is usually ten to fifteen minutes on each breast. The frequency of feeding decreases as the child gets older. Some mothers pump milk so that it can be used later when their child is being cared for by others. Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby. Infant formula does not have many of the benefits.