By J. Cacilia Kim Friday, August 7, 2009 Breastfeeding helps
mothers and infants in many ways, including increased protection
against swine flu. But a "milk gap" means breastfeeding is much
harder for some women than others. Cacilia Kim talks about ways
to start closing that gap. (WOMENSENEWS)--In recent years, our
understanding of the benefits of breast milk has steadily risen
above being mere nourishment to something akin to medicine or
even a vaccine. Indeed, the U.S. Transportation Security
Administration puts breast milk in the same category as "liquid
medications." The benefits certainly extend to women. Women who
breastfeed have a reduced risk for developing osteoporosis,
breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes, among other
health benefits. This year's World Breastfeeding Week, which
ends today, is feting breastfeeding as a life-saving
intervention before and during emergencies. In line with this,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently
advising mothers to protect infants aga