The benefits are many, to both the child and mother, and during Breastfeeding Month in August, the Health Department is sharing the advantages of breastfeeding to parents, infants and society.

The first week of the month, August 1-8, marked World Breastfeeding Week and the theme was "Breastfeeding: Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies".

Both the World Health Organisation and the American Academy of Paediatrics recommend breastfeeding as the best source of infant nutrition. It reduces the risk of disease in infants by providing the mother's antibodies which increases the infant's immunity. And during illness, breastfeeding can also speed the baby's recovery.

"Research has proven that breast milk is best, ideal nutrition for infants," said June Fubler, a Health Visitor Supervisor at the Health Department.

Mrs. Fubler is responsible for the Pembroke West area where she says a large percentage of the mothers she visits do breastfeed their babies.

"Next month we're going to do a survey on mothers who are breastfeeding, so we can find out how many people are breastfeeding in Bermuda," said Mrs. Fubler.

"In Pembroke West where I work, I find that breastfeeding has increased over the years and it's more accepted now. Mothers are breastfeeding now because they are more educated about it."

Babies who breastfeed have been shown to develop fewer allergies, infections and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, as well as reduce the chance of obesity in later years.

"They also say it is more economical, but I don't agree with that too much because when you are breastfeeding you still have to have a good diet," said Mrs. Fubler.

The physical contact enables the mother to bond better with the newborn.

"I've found that breastfed babies cry less than bottle fed babies," said the Health Visitor.

Breastfeeding in public is a particular concern for mothers. Whether a baby is breast or bottle fed, its appetite knows no restrictions of time, place or convenience.

"Two years ago we did a survey to find out if the different businesses had facilities for that and very few do," said Mrs. Fubler.

"When I'm abroad I always check to see if there is somewhere for mothers to breastfeed their babies, and they have special rooms with a table to change them, but Bermuda has a long way to go.

"I think the public should be very supportive of mothers who are breastfeeding in public. Usually when they breastfeed in public they will have a diaper or blanket that they travel with and sometimes they will be breastfeeding and you wouldn't even notice."

Breastfeeding mothers are also advised to dress comfortably for ease of feeding the baby discretely, with two piece outfits making it easier to expose the breast to the baby for a feeding.

According to the Health Department, informed people know the benefits of breastfeeding and they are supportive and encouraging to new mothers who choose to breastfeed.

"Research has proven that breast milk is the best," said Mrs. Fubler.

"It is the ideal nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding is a natural, convenient process with many health benefits for both mother and baby. We encourage them to breastfeed for at least six months or longer.

"Even when mothers return to work they are encouraged to breastfeed the baby. They can also express the milk but a lot of workplaces don't have the facilities."

The Health Department has six Health Visitors, all qualified nurses, who visit the babies after they are discharged from the hospital.

"We visit them between ten and 14 days after they are discharged and we do encourage the mothers to come to the clinic or call the Health Visitors in their areas or their own Paediatricians or GP's or a nutritionalist at the Health Department for advice," said Mrs. Fubler.

The Department has also done a health talk on the radio on the benefits of breastfeeding. Mrs. Fubler notes there are many reasons why a mother would choose not to breastfeed, including medical.

"Sometimes they just make up their mind they don't want to breastfeed, but most of them at least try it for six weeks," said Mrs. Fubler.

Nutritionist Melanie Barnum agrees breastfeeding has many benefits to both the mother and baby, but that community support is vital in order for it to be successful and comfortable for the mother.

"We're talking about facilities, equipment and people's attitudes," she stated.

"Without that, breastfeeding would not be successful. I think, as a nutritionalist, it plays an important role in the prevention of overweight children. Starting right is the key.

"Breast milk is much more easily digested, the vitamin and nutrient content of breast milk changes with the age of the child, according to their needs. The amount that the child receives is only in proportion to their appetite."

Added Ms Barnum: "The comfort level of the mother is important in how successful she is in breastfeeding. The support of the community is vital, families, in-laws, fathers, workplaces...all that plays a very important role in how mothers feel about breastfeeding and whether they can continue or whether they are stressed."

One new mother has been breastfeeding her son for about 12 weeks and has no regrets about choosing that method.

"Once I was pregnant I knew I would breastfeed," she admitted.

"It was never a question of whether I would breast or bottle feed. I knew as far as the benefits for the baby it was the best thing to do, in order to give the baby a good start.

"I did speak to my friends and in my circle of friends all of them who have children have breastfed and they were very supportive of me.

"In terms of my immune system I figured I would breastfeed for a few weeks to see how it was, but it has been so successful I've been doing it for 11 weeks. He doesn't look like he wants to stop so I'm continuing and we're both enjoying it."

Added the new mother: "The baby is less prone to infections because the baby has built up a good immune system from the mother, less ear infections because you are not feeding with a bottle when people tend to prop babies up or lay them down to feed them and they get ear infections."

"Once they have had enough (with breastfeeding) they stop, unlike with bottles when you force them to take the last ounce and it leads to obesity."

Breastfeeding in public is still one of her concerns.

"If I'm going out I like to time myself and feed him before I go so I don't have to be confined to feeding him in public," she stated.

"If I'm amongst friends it doesn't matter, but if I'm going to public places I have to really plan. Sometimes I would express it and put it in a bottle so that I have it."

The mother says there is a "natural closeness" she feels with her new child as a result of breastfeeding.

"They are so happy, they coo as they get older and you know they are so contented. You know you are doing a good job. You also get back to your weight very quickly."