Over the past few decades, the medical community and the public have experienced a dramatic shift in attitudes about breastfeeding.  News headlines announce new discoveries about the benefits of breastfeeding almost weekly, and hospitals and health agencies across the country, even around the world, are working hard to encourage moms to give breastfeeding a chance.

It's a radical shift from the world our mothers and grandmothers knew.  There was a long period in our history when breastfeeding was discouraged and considered inadequate for the health of newborn babies.

"We went through a time when we thought science knew better than nature," said Anne Sanborn, a certified lactation consultant at Baptist Hospital, Pensacola, FL.  "We've learned a lot since then."

Research has dispelled many of the myths that gave breastfeeding a bad rap, but perhaps the more exciting side of the story is that science has discovered a whole array of often-surprising health benefits of breastfeeding.  Many of these benefits appear to carry into adulthood.

"Breastfed babies are healthier," Sanborn said.  "Research shows that they have fewer sick days, fewer respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections, fewer ear infections, less risk for Type I Diabetes, better brain development, fewer allergies.  There's a lot of cholesterol in breast milk, which babies need in the development of their brain and nervous system.  Some studies even suggest that breastfed babies have fewer problems with cholesterol management as adults."

Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for babies.  It contains not only vitamins and minerals, but also enzymes that help the baby's digestive system and antibodies that boost the baby's immune system.  Formula cannot duplicate all of these ingredients.  And unlike formula, breast milk changes over time to adapt to the baby's needs.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother as well.  The hormones produced during breastfeeding help the mother's body recover from childbirth, and breastfeeding helps new moms lose the weight they gained during pregnancy.

"The mom's body expects that she'll breastfeed" Sanborn said.  "It burns 800 calories a day to breastfeed an infant."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life.  For the second six months, the baby should continue to breastfeed, but complimentary foods can be introduced.  The baby can breastfeed longer if the mom chooses, but the first year is considered very important.

Sanborn has heard just about every reason why some mothers don't want to breastfeed.  While there certainly are legitimate reasons, she encourages every mother to learn about breastfeeding and talk to a professional about any fears or objections she might have before making up her mind.

"Pain is a common worry that mothers have.  If a mother is experiencing pain during breastfeeding, it's a signal that something is not working correctly, and she should get help as soon as possible.  It could be a sign that the baby is not latching on correctly, which means that the experience is not efficient for the baby, either."

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can take some effort to get it right.  Getting the baby to latch on, knowing when and how much to feed, and knowing when the baby is feeding properly are all much easier with a little training.

Baptist Hospital offers a monthly, two-night class for expecting couples.  There are probably hospitals in your area that offer the same type of classes, in order for future mothers and fathers to get the facts about breastfeeding, including what to expect, how to get started, and even how working moms can make breastfeeding manageable.