You've heard it before: Breastfeeding offers the best food for babies. But did you know that breastfeeding has health benefits for moms too? If you decide to breastfeed your baby—and the choice is up to you—you may want to know more about the benefits for both of you. But first, it's also important to know the current breastfeeding recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you:

• Feed your baby only breastmilk for six months.

• Keep breastfeeding until about 12 months after you start to give your baby solid food.

• Continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby want to.

Now, about those breastfeeding benefits. They include:

1. Breastfeeding is nutritious. Talk about a superfood. Breast milk has all the calories and nutrients your baby needs to grow healthy and strong.

2. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. No one knows exactly why, but breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 64%.

3. Your baby might get sick less often. Breastfed babies tend to have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections and diarrhea. You pass some of your infection-fighting antibodies to your baby in your breast milk.

4. Breastfeeding may help protect your baby from illnesses later on. These include asthma, diabetes and obesity.

5. Breastfeeding may help protect you from some diseases too. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers.

6. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. The closeness you feel when you hold your baby to your breast helps create an emotional connection. And it releases a hormone called oxytocin that helps you feel calm.

7. Breastfeeding can help you recover from childbirth. And it may help you shed pregnancy pounds faster.

8. Breastmilk is free. You don't have to buy formula.

9. It can be convenient. You don't have to carry bottles around and mix and heat formula.

Breastfeeding can be tricky at first for some moms. But a little practice can make things right. Watson Clinic's OB-GYN department can guide you through the process and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Additionally, Watson Clinic registered nurse practitioner Wendi Johnson, APRN is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with specialized training in providing high-quality breastfeeding care for new mothers and their babies. Consultations with Ms. Johnson are now available from her office at the Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building at 1755 N. Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Call 863-680-7243 for more information and to schedule an appointment.