Report: Breastfeeding Saves Lives

"Michelle Devlin, a leader with the La Leche League, says it's a practice that is as natural as giving birth. "These are naturally things that are in our bodies and the way our bodies are made to work, that we're supposed to be protected against these things," says Devlin. "By breastfeeding, we are keeping those benefits and letting our bodies fill their biological norm.""

Continuing, "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only 24 percent of Tennessee hospitals have a system where the infant remains with the mother in the maternity ward, versus going to a nursery. Devlin says that initial bonding is key for long-term success. "It's beneficial for babies to be with their mothers," she says. "They are able to respond to their babies' cues better, feel competent in their babies' care and yes, it's definitely a huge help towards breastfeeding, because you have access to the baby and the baby has access to the mother right away.""