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UVa. wants more moms to breastfeed

Posted at 6:01 PM, Mar 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-03 18:01:22-05

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WCAV) -- The University of Virginia School of Medicine is working to get more moms to breastfeed their newborns.

The school is launching a new program that aims to train doctors and nurses to encourage breastfeeding for new moms.

The program offers courses on breastfeeding and help doctors make plans to increase the rate of nursing moms.

Experts say breastfeeding is best for the baby and the mother.

"It helps the baby, in terms of building immunity, helping their gastrointestinal system mature, helping them digest well and grow," UVa. School of Medicine's Jann Balmer said. "And it prevents obesity, they found that it breastfeeding prevents obesity."

In fact, moms who nurse also have an easier time losing the baby weight, and avoiding obesity after pregnancy.