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NEGAUNEE -- It's a time for both mother and child to bond.  And health professionals say breastfeeding can have major benefits for the child.

"If you look at the data, there's actually a decrease in ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, because of breastfeeding,” said Marquette General pediatrician Jennifer Atkins.  “There's also some studies that show that children are less likely to be obese who are breast fed.”

And for the mother as well, breastfeeding has been linked to helping the mother loose weight after birth as well as helping her uterus return to a normal size faster.

Negaunee resident and mother of four, Linda Marshall, breast fed all of her children and says the experience has benefits that extend far beyond health.

"You're with them constantly,” said Linda, “especially in the beginning, and I think it's a big, you know, they learn right away that mom is going to take care of them, and breastfeeding is not just food it's comfort for them as well."

But for some mothers, convenience is a factor that can make breastfeeding difficult.  Linda has an answer for that.  In case she needs to leave her house, she keeps breast milk in her freezer for a babysitter to warm up.  And if she has to feed while she’s out, Linda says there are tricks to being discreet.

“There are ways to breast feed in public where people don't even know what you're doing, you know,” Linda said.  “If you have a carefully placed blanket or with the clothing that you wear, it's very possible to feed your baby while you're out."

She advocates every mother at least learn the benefits of breastfeeding before they make a final decision.