Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is when a mother feeds her baby breast milk. It's the best source of nutrition for babies and provides many health benefits for both mother and baby. Benefits Nutrition: Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies. Protection: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of infections, allergies, and chronic conditions. Antibodies: Breast milk passes antibodies from the mother to her baby, helping to develop a strong immune system. Bonding: Breastfeeding can be a special bonding experience for mother and baby. Weight loss: Breastfeeding may help mothers lose weight gained during pregnancy. Health: Breastfeeding can reduce the mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. How to breastfeed Position your baby on their side with their nose opposite your nipple. Support your breast from underneath. Touch your baby's lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide. Feed your baby as often as they want and for as long as they want. Recommendation The World Health Organization recommends that babies begin breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Click on Breastfeeding to find out more about information about breastfeeding