Breastfeeding good for babies and moms

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The American Dietetic Association has issued a position paper touting the benefits of breastfeeding for both U.S. infants and mothers.

The position paper, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, says exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first six months of life, and breastfeeding with complementary foods from six months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants.

The position paper, written by registered dietitians Delores C.S. James of the University of Florida and Rachelle Lessen of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says the evidence-based review finds:

-- Human milk reduces the risk for a large number of acute and chronic illnesses. It reduces risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

-- Breastfeeding improves maternal health and well-being, and saves families time and money.

-- Breastfeeding boosts the immune system in babies, and reduces the risk for nonspecific gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections and asthma.

-- Breast milk protects against allergies and intolerances, and promotes correct jaw and teeth development.

-- Breastfeeding is associated with higher intelligence quotient and school performance through adolescence.

-- Breastfeeding reduces the risk for chronic disease such as obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and childhood leukemia.