From a freshly decorated room to new toys and clothing, new parents always want to give their babies the best. When it comes to nutrition, physicians agree that the best first food for babies is breast milk.
Breast-fed babies are healthier and have fewer infections and early illnesses, according to Erin Paris, SIU registered dietitian and lactation consultant. “Breast-fed babies are less likely to have gastro-intestinal illnesses, upper respiratory infections, multiple sclerosis, diabetes or heart disease.” Studies also show that babies who are breast-fed have higher IQs.
Not only is breastfeeding beneficial for the baby, it also has important benefits for the mother, including
•    Decreasing the risk for ovarian and breast cancer
•    Decreasing the risk for developing osteoporosis
•    Aiding in a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight
•    Helping to deter post-partum depression

“The basic standards are four to six months of exclusive breastfeeding,” Paris says. “Then at four months of age, some pediatricians do recommend that you can introduce some table foods such as rice cereals or baby cereals. Then continuing to breastfeed through that first year of life is recommended until the baby has tripled their weight.”
New mothers can learn more about breast-feeding by talking with their family physician or obstetrician.  Most hospitals have a lactation counselor or offer breast feeding classes to help new mothers.
August is National Breastfeeding Month. To learn more: usbreastfeeding.org