The majority of U.S. hospitals are providing formula packets upon discharge to breastfeeding mothers while nearly one-fifth of hospitals give something other than breast milk as a first feeding to healthy babies, a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. This practice contradicts the best medical evidence available and breastfeeding recommendations supported by many organizations working to improve maternal and child health nationwide, including Lamaze International.

Breast milk, the natural first food for babies, provides a potent dose of antibodies and essential nutrients, says Lamaze International. Research indicates that breastfeeding benefits continue throughout a child's life, including decreased risk of diabetes, obesity, juvenile leukemia, heart disease, asthma and ear infections. Breastfed children also have been found to have better jaw and eye development than those who are not breastfed.

Breastfeeding benefits moms, too. Directly after childbirth, breastfeeding helps a uterus return to its normal size. It may help a new mother lose pregnancy weight, and studies show that it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The act of breastfeeding has been shown to increase bonding between Mother and Baby.

Lamaze International has used recommendations from the World Health Organization to develop six healthy practices that increase the opportunity for women to have safe and healthy birth experiences. One of these practices is to Keep Mother and Baby Together – It's Best for Mother, Baby and Breastfeeding. When a mother and her baby are skin-to-skin, rooming-in together, there are unlimited breastfeeding opportunities. Researchers have found mothers are more likely to continue breastfeeding if their baby is brought to them for feeding when rooming-in is not possible.

Lamaze International, an organization that bases its education on the latest scientific research, encourages expecting women to tell their care providers they want to keep their babies with them during their hospital stay. By making her preferences known, a woman can ensure unlimited breastfeeding opportunities, which in turn will help give her baby the best start possible. For more information, visit www.lamaze.org.