The antibodies found in breast milk can help protect a child from certain diseases and infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. Children who are breast-fed also are less likely to develop allergies. The AAP says that breast-feeding also may help protect against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Recent research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) also suggests that two amino acids found in breast milk (but not in formula) help an infant's brain develop.

Breast-feeding also helps mother and baby bond, because of the close physical contact involved.

Breast-feeding helps the uterus contract after delivery. It also cuts the risk for breast cancer in women who have not gone through menopause. Although a woman loses some bone when first breast-feeding (because breast milk contains calcium), breast-feeding does not increase the risk for osteoporosis. With a proper diet, your bone density recovers after you stop breast-feeding. Overall, the AAP says, the longer you breast-feed, the better it is for both you and your child. The AAP and the World Health Organization say that women should continue breast-feeding for at least six months. A year or more is even better. If you stop breast-feeding before your child is a year old, give your child iron-fortified formula, not cow's milk, the NICHD says. You shouldn't give your child cow's milk until he or she is at least a year old.

Before your baby is born, talk with your health care provider about breast-feeding. It is best to start breast-feeding within the first hour after birth, the AAP says. Also ask that you and your baby stay together in the hospital as much as possible. This will help you get a good start on breast-feeding. Hospitals have lactation consultants on hand to help new mothers with breast-feeding. Check with your hospital for the name of a breast-feeding group in your area. Often these groups provide counseling and support for new mothers at no charge.

Prolactin stimulates mammary glands in the breast to produce milk. Oxytocin stimulates the breast to release milk.

This first milk is yellow or orange in color. It contains a lot of nutrients and antibodies to help the newborn. Mature milk usually "comes in" several days later. This later milk is slightly thinner and white. As you continue to breast-feed, the milk changes to meet the needs of a growing baby.

This is more often than formula-fed babies eat, because breast milk is digested more quickly than formula. The AAP and other experts say that babies should be fed when they are hungry -- about every two hours. A baby who is hungry may cry, nuzzle the breast, root, or put hand to mouth to show his or her hunger.

A steady weight gain is most important. Having frequent wet diapers is next most important. The urine in the diapers should be pale yellow, not deep yellow or orange. Stools should be loose and yellow-colored. When you are breast-feeding, listen for gulping sounds so that you know your baby is actually swallowing milk, the AAP says. The baby's jaw should move in a slow, steady manner as he or she sucks and swallows. If you baby is getting enough milk, he or she will be sleeping well, but look alert and healthy when awake.

You should eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of calcium, the AAP says. You should have five servings of milk or dairy products each day to give you the extra calcium you need. If you don't eat meat or dairy products, your calcium should come from tofu, canned sardines or salmon with bones (if you eat fish), or corn tortillas prepared with lime. Other foods that contain high amounts of calcium include soybeans, turnip greens, almonds and hazelnuts. Also make sure to drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages.

Many medications are safe to take while you are breast-feeding, but check with your health care provider before you take any medication or herbal product. (Some medications are safe after your baby is breast-feeding well. Others are safe when the baby is not a newborn.) Avoid drinking alcohol while breast-feeding. Don't smoke around your child.

A woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) should not breastfeed because she may give the infection to her child, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A woman who is infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may breastfeed her baby. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there is no evidence that breastfeeding spreads the hepatitis C virus. However, it may be possible to spread the hepatitis C virus through breastfeeding if the mother’s nipples are cracked or bleeding. A woman with tuberculosis (TB) may breastfeed as long she has received treatment. A woman with diabetes may also be able to breastfeed, but may need to pay more attention to diet to make sure her blood sugar levels don't drop. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about whether you should breastfeed.