Breastfeeding: Myths and Facts

by Sue Brower, RN

Mothers who choose to breastfeed are giving their babies the best possible start in life. Breast milk not only provides perfect nutrition, but the antibodies in a mother’s breast milk build her baby’s immunity against illness. Even mothers who plan to breastfeed for only a short while give their infants a tremendous advantage.

In spite of the increasing body of research about the important benefits of breast-feeding, a number of myths persist that worry some expectant mothers.

By Sue Brower, RN

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promotes a national program called “Healthy People 2010.”  Among the program’s many goals is that by 2010, 75 percent of the nation’s new mothers will be breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding is important for many reasons relating to newborn health and immunity, mother-baby bonding, and long-term health.