New parents always want to give their babies the very best. When it comes to nutrition, the best first food for babies is breast milk.

Breast-fed babies are healthier and have fewer infections than formula-fed babies, says Erin Paris, registered dietitian and lactation consultant at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. She explains the benefits of breast-feeding for babies.

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Paris says breast-feeding also has important benefits for mother. It decreases her risk for ovarian and breast cancer as well as the risk for developing osteoporosis. It also results in a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight. She explains breast feeding recommendations.

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New mothers can learn more about breast-feeding by talking with their family physician or obstetrician. Most hospitals have a lactation counselor or offer breast feeding classes to help new mothers.