It is also a gift that women give to themselves. Breastfeeding helps you to get your shape back faster. Your uterus shrinks back to its normal size quicker. Making breast milk burns calories, so you may lose weight faster. There is a lower risk of cancer with breastfeeding. Research has shown that women who breastfeed have less breast and uterine cancer. Children who have breastfed developed less of certain types of cancer.

Breastfeeding is more convenient. You won't have to sterilize bottles, buy and mix formula, cool it, and then reheat it. It is always ready when your baby is ready. Night feedings are easier-no mixing and fixing bottles in the middle of the night.

Breastfed babies are healthier-they tend to have less diarrhea, ear infections, and colds. Breast fed babies are not constipated and seldom get diarrhea. They have less colic and less stomach upsets. There is a lower incidence of juvenile diabetes and obesity in breastfed children. With the current issues of obesity and diabetes in the United States, these issues are of high importance both as economic and public health concerns.

Breastfed babies smell better! Their spit-ups and diapers are not that unpleasant. Formula stains clothes, breast milk doesn't.

Breastfeeding is ecological-it's "green"-a renewable resource and there is no trash to throw away. Breast milk saves money-it's free, and is the only food your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses breastfeeding for the first year, adding supplementary foods as the baby grows. Breastfeeding can continue as long as mom and baby desire.

It can take some practice to feel comfortable breastfeeding

in public, but can be done almost anywhere without being noticed. Wearing a shirt or blouse that can be unbuttoned and using a baby blanket or pretty scarf can be very useful.

The early days of breastfeeding can be a challenge. Finding a support network, even on the internet is really helpful. A breastfeeding "buddy" can be a wonderful support. Ask a friend or relative that is or has successfully breastfed. The more women that breastfeed, the more women will breastfeed. The LaLeche League is a wonderful help. Many hospitals and WIC offices have started support groups for moms and babies, not just for breastfeeding issues but for "very-day mom questions". A good place to find a Lactation Consultant is the International Lactation Consultant Association, or ILCA, at www.ilca.org or at www.breastfeeding.com Try to take a class at your local WIC office or hospital before you have your baby to feel more comfortable and find out even more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Your gift to your baby is the "gold standard" and is the most valuable gift you can give.