Breastfeeding Your Baby

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is a conversation that comes up again and again—whether or not to breastfeed your baby.

There is no doubt that there are few things more beneficial for a baby than having mother breastfeed. This helps the immune system, improves bonding, helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome among many other advantages.

Breast milk provides all that is needed for the baby with the exception of vitamin D which has to be taken in the form of a supplement. But I always make a point that if a woman can't breastfeed she should not be made to feel like a second class citizen. There are programs at hospitals across the country that emphasize the importance of breastfeeding but all women deserve to know that formula is quite good and it is an option if breastfeeding is not.