Breastfeeding your baby provides the complete nutrition he or she needs in the first stages of life for proper growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations recommend and strongly encourage mothers to breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months of life, with continuation until baby and mom are ready to stop.

Some moms know the instant they become pregnant whether they will breastfeed. Others may be contemplating the matter and are being pulled in different directions by friends and family with strong opinions on the subject; however, the decision is ultimately up to mom.

I'm here to provide evidence-based information about breastfeeding to empower moms to make the best choice possible for them and their babies. August is National Breastfeeding Month, so it's a great time to provide awareness about breastfeeding, its benefits, tips for success, and support in the community.

Breastmilk is an amazing substance that is uniquely designed to meet your baby's nutritional, growth, and developmental needs. The first few days to weeks after birth, breasts express colostrum, a substance that is higher in carbohydrates and antibodies to boost the newborn's immune system. It is low in volume, but packs a lot of nutrition. As babies' needs change, the milk matures to meet those needs (volume increases and it becomes higher in protein and fat and other vitamins). Breastmilk continues to deliver antibodies as long as baby is being breastfed. Breastmilk in mothers with premature babies also naturally adjusts for their needs and has a slightly different composition, early on, with higher amounts in protein and minerals, and various types of fats easier for preemies to digest.

Studies have shown that babies who breastfeed exclusively for six months have fewer ear infections and respiratory illnesses. Breastfed babies also have a reduced risk for asthma and allergies; and may even have a lower risk for obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers. What is in it for mom? Breastfeeding can lower mom's risk for breast and ovarian cancers, plus helps her return to pre-pregnancy weight faster because breastfeeding burns calories. In addition, it's completely sanitary with no to fewer bottles to wash and it's free!

If you choose to breastfeed, how can you be successful and make this a wonderful experience for you and your baby?

• Use skin on skin contact to help baby latch on. The smell of milk can help babies find their food.

• Try positions that are best for you and your baby to help him or her latch on: football, cradle, and side lying positions, plus others.

• Try using a dark room to breastfeed for a relaxing, quiet environment.

Look to community resources for support such as La Leche League. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers participants breastfeeding support through its Breastfeeding Peer Counseling program at Panhandle Health District. Peer counselors provide one on one or group sessions to address any breastfeeding barriers mothers may have, and are available after-hours via phone call or text. They also provide education and support to mom's family members.

No matter how long you choose to breastfeed your baby, any amount of time is commended; and however you choose to feed your baby, support is there for you.

The WIC Program is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.