The World Health Organization describes breastfeeding as the “best source of nourishment for infants and young children” and recommends babies breastfeed exclusively for the first six months.

Breast milk contains the perfect combination of nutrients for growth and development, as well as disease-fighting factors that can help protect against infections and reduce a child’s lifetime risk for problems like diabetes and obesity. Breastfeeding can do great things for mothers, too, such as making it easier to lose weight and even lowering the risk of certain types of cancer.

Despite the many benefits for both babies and mothers, any woman who has breastfed a baby knows that it doesn’t always come easy. But if new mothers (and their partners) know what to expect and have strategies for dealing with issues, breastfeeding can be a very rewarding experience for both mom and baby.