Updated June 09, 2015.

In almost all cases, breast milk is the most perfect food for your baby. It contains easily digestible proteins, many factors that support your new baby's immature immune system, and other factors that aid in digestion. It is also low in cost and requires no preparation. Breast fed babies are also less likely to have colic, upper respiratory infections, ear infections, constipation, asthma or allergies.

And breastfeeding will burn up almost 500 calories each day, helping mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner.

To help maximize the chance that you will breastfeed effectively, I would recommend that you:

• try and breastfeed your baby right after he is born and before he is taken to the nursery if possible
• room in with your baby so that you can breastfeed on demand when your baby is hungry
• instruct the nursery staff to not give supplemental bottles of formula unless instructed to do so by your Pediatrician and if a supplement is required for some reason, ask if an alternative to a bottle can be used, such as a lactation aid, finger feeding or cup. Don't underestimate the danger of a bottle, even if given occasionally, can have to your chances of breastfeeding well.
• have the hospital staff (and a lactation consultant if available) observe you breastfeeding your baby prior to discharge
• avoid supplementing with formula or using a bottle before he is 3-4 weeks old (unless instructed to do so by your Pediatrician). In fact, it is probably best to not use a bottle at all to maximize your chances of breastfeeding effectively. Finger feeding, cup feeding or a lactation aid are all better alternatives.

• avoid using a pacifier before he is 3-4 weeks old (unless he is already breastfeeding effectively, then it is probably all right to introduce a pacifier sooner). Again, it is probably best to not use a pacifier at all, since their use is associated with early weaning and prolonged use of a pacifier is associated with an increased risk of ear infections.
• don't smoke (smoking is associated with having a poor milk supply and many other negative medical effects on children and especially newborns), although if you do smoke, you can definitely breastfeed and it may help offset the increased risk of allergies and asthma that is found in children that are exposed to second hand smoke.
• limit the intake of foods and drinks that have caffeine in them
• follow a well balanced diet with about 2000 - 2700 kcal/d.