Rates of diabetes, allergies, obesity and cardiac disease can all be reduced by breastfeeding, experts said at the launch of an awareness initiative.

Mothers, midwives and other hospital officials marked World Breastfeeding Week by holding an event at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital yesterday.

They said breastfeeding provides the optimal nutrition and life-sustaining food for babies, giving health advantages which last beyond infancy for mothers and babies.

Breastfeeding in the first hour or so after birth has been linked to good health, including immediate protection from bacteria and viruses the baby can be exposed to, less risk of jaundice and, for the mother, improved milk production and less blood loss.

Bermuda Hospitals Board teamed up with community pro-breastfeeding group La Leche League for a press conference at KEMH.

Kerry Bennett, clinical educator at KEMH's Maternity Ward, said: "When mothers hold their babies skin to skin immediately after birth, their babies are kept warm, they regulate their heart, respiratory and oxygen saturation rates and they do not feel pain as acutely. All this means they are calmer, happier and cry less."

KEMH midwife Dinah Northcott said: "In the early moments after birth, babies are in a quiet, alert state and ready to learn. Research shows that babies come into this world seeking close contact with their mothers' bodies and this is the perfect environment to start breastfeeding."

Jill Virgil, accredited leader of La Leche League, recommended all babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for two years.

She said benefits for the baby continue into childhood and adulthood by lowering the rates of diabetes, allergies, obesity and cardiac disease, while women who breastfeed have a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer and osteoporosis.

"There is still a great deal of work to do if we want to improve breastfeeding rates in Bermuda," she said. "Increasing these rates will mean healthier babies, healthier families and lower healthcare costs. Partnering with the Maternity Ward to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week is an excellent step toward encouraging women to nurse their babies and educating the public about the many benefits of mother's milk."

Addressing breastfeeding mothers who posed for photographs for a KEMH awareness-raising poster campaign, BHB CEO David Hill said: "You and your children all look wonderful. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

"This is a special week set aside to remind us of the importance of breastfeeding for the health of our communities throughout the world. Here in Bermuda, we hope it will be a source of encouragement to breastfeed for a healthy life ¿ both for mother and baby."

KEMH midwives offer pre-natal classes that discuss breastfeeding and mothers' options for birthing. Call 239-2055 or email kerry.bennett@bermudahospitals.bm for more information or to book a place. La Leche League offers trained counselling for mothers who need help, advice and support in breastfeeding. Call 337-3030 for more information.

* See today's Body and Soul.