Throughout my medical career, I have always encouraged my patients to breastfeed. In fact, my interest in breastfeeding predates medical school.

While I was growing up, my mother worked with the Ministry of Health as the director of the nutrition division. As a result, not only was I exposed to several posters about healthy eating (which I proudly carried to school), but I was also exposed to the various breastfeeding campaigns which the division spearheaded.

This interest led me to perform a research study on breastfeeding in the early years of medical school. Having given birth to my first child last year, it was time to put 'my money where my mouth is'.

I vividly remember when the nurse brought my baby boy to me, for the first time, and announced that "he is hungry". It was about 3 a.m. and so my first experience of breastfeeding began. It certainly was not easy. Although the lactation consultants assured me that my technique was correct, I still had to feed my little boy as often as every hour and I experi-enced sore nipples, engorge-ment and blocked ducts. I also vividly remember the stab of pain every time he latched on to the breast.

However, six months later, I am happy that I did not give up. Feeding time is now pleasant, pain free and relaxing. For me exclusive breastfeeding has been most rewarding and according to his paediatrician, I have a very healthy baby boy. So why breastfeed?

There are multiple benefits, both short and long term. Breast milk has special properties that boost the baby's immunity and protect him or her against infection.

As a result, breastfed children have fewer illnesses and a lower risk of dying than formula-fed infants, even in developed countries. In the long term, breastfed babies are at a lower risk of obesity, both type 1 and 2 diabetes and childhood leukaemia.

Manages mother's weight

There is also a tangible benefit for women and, that is, weight loss. Pregnancy has been sited as a cause of obesity in women.

This is no surprise because a woman can gain up to 35lb in pregnancy and that is considered normal.

After delivery, she may lose only about 10 of those pounds, so what about the other 25lb?

Well, breastfeeding may do the trick. Almost without exception my patients, who have been most successful in weight loss after pregnancy, are those who breastfeed.

So much so that when I examine their weight at follow-up, I often know their method of feeding even before I ask. I was able to return to my pre-pregnancy weight in less than six months while enjoying regular hearty meals.

Breastfeeding is not for everyone. Women who have had breast surgery including breast reduction surgery or implants may be unable to breastfeed.

Women, who use street drugs or abuse alcohol, have HIV infection, untreated tuberculosis, or are taking certain medications or undergoing treatment for breast cancer should not breastfeed. A woman should not breastfeed if she has chickenpox or a herpes lesion on her breast.

Breastfeeding may be demanding, especially for women who work outside of the home or have the responsibility of caring for other children.

Nevertheless, women can express breast milk by hand or by a manual or an electric pump to allow another caregiver to feed the baby. Contrary to popular belief, most women have enough milk to satisfy all their baby's nutritional needs for at least the first six months of baby's life.

Therefore, for those women who are able, I invite you to experience the most enjoyable and effective weight-loss strategy I have ever tried.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.