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Breastfeeding,is a subject close to my heart. I wouldn't presume to tell anyone how to bring up their children, but when it comes to my kids i wouldn't dream of feeding them anything else but mommy milk.  When you're deciding on how to feed your children and you're bombarded with free formula samples and negativity from other mothers, it can be disheartening, but YOU CAN DO IT!    There is a lot of help that you can get online from other mothers, which i have found a godsend, as i was surrounded by formula feeding mothers and felt that i had no one to empathise with me, or share experiances with. I hope to have some breastfeeding links up as soon as possible that will help but right now i hope this information will help.
           First of all if you're trying to decide on the best way to feed your child you may want to know some of the clear benefits of breastfeeding, and they are many, but i've listed a few to give you some idea, and as i don't have unlimited space lol. None of this information is meant to offend formula feeding mothers, it is here as a source of information for mothers who are trying to choose the best way of feeding their child.

FOR BABY

1. Due to the anti-infective properties of breastmilk, breastfed babies tend to have less incidence of or less pronounced symptoms of ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting.

2. Due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated.

3. The stools of breastfed babies are mild-smelling.

4. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is less common in breastfed babies.

5. Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the baby. It has the exact combination of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars needed for the human infant at various stages of his growth.

6. Breastfed babies are constantly exposed to a variety of tastes through their mother's milk.

7. Breastfed children are at less risk for chrohn's disease and juvenile diabetes.

8. Children who were breastfed are less likely to need orthodontic work such as braces due to the unique sucking action required with breastfeeding. They also seem to have better overall dental health than formula-fed children. Children who were breastfed need speech therapy less often than those who were bottle-fed.

9. IQ levels are an average of 8 points higher in children who were breastfed.

10. Adult daughters who were breastfed are at less risk for breast cancer.

11. Adults who were breastfed have a lower risk for high cholesterol and asthma.

12. The bond between mother and child seems to be enhanced with breastfeeding.

FOR MOTHER

1. Nursing immediately following delivery causes the uterus to contract lessening the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

2. The uterus of a breastfeeding mother shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.

3. Calories are burned while breastfeeding. It takes approximately 20 calories to produce an ounce of milk.

4. Women who nurse their babies for at least 6 months lessen their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer.

5. Osteoporosis and cervical cancer are less common in women who breastfed.

6. The return of fertility is delayed with breastfeeding.

7. Breastfeeding is more economical than formula feeding. The cost of formula for 12 months is approximately $1000 - $1200.

8. Breastmilk is always available, clean, and the right temperature.

9. Many mothers feel a special satisfaction in knowing that they alone are meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.

Advantages of Breastfeeding a Toddler

I added these as like many mothers i wrongly thought that the benefits of breastfeeding only applied to babys, and mistook what was most probably a breastfeeding strike for weaning at 6 months, this is one of the pieces of information that i wish i'd known when breastfeeding Kay and from which my subsequant child will benefit from, through my intention to breastfeed for as long as he/she needs.

Toddlers breastfeed for many of the same reasons infants breastfeed: for comfort, security, for a way to calm down and for reassurance.

Mothers breastfeed their toddlers for many of the same reasons they breastfeed their infants: they recognize their children's needs, they enjoy the closeness, they want to offer comfort, and they understand the health benefits.

Breastfeeding a toddler helps with the child's ability to grow up. Although some experts say a toddler who is not weaned will have difficulty becoming independent, it's usually the fearful, clingy kids that have been pushed into situations requiring too much independence too soon. A breastfeeding toddler is having his dependency needs met. The closeness and availability of the mother through breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help toddlers grow emotionally.

Breastfeeding can help a toddler understand discipline as well. Discipline is teaching a child about what is right and good, not punishment for normal toddler behavior. To help a toddler with discipline, he needs to feel good about himself and his world. Breastfeeding helps a toddler feel good about himself, because his needs are being met.

Toddlers have a huge world to explore, and breastfeeding provides them with some quiet time in their busy, waking hours.

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Just as babies do, toddlers receive health benefits from breastfeeding. Your milk continues to provide immunities and vitamins, and can help protect a toddler from illness and allergies. If your toddler does get sick, nursing will help comfort him. In fact, a toddler with an upset stomach may be able to tolerate nothing but human milk.

If knowing these benefits makes you determined to successfully breastfeed then read on. Knowing the pitfalls and how to overcome them can be all you need! Remember that there are No hard fast rules you MUST obey, play it by ear..get advice and then adapt to suit you and your babys needs.

The First Feedings

Breastfeed soon after delivery, within the first hour of life, if possible. The baby is most awake right after birth. 
RELAX! Be patient. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. 
Place you and your baby "tummy to tummy" with baby's mouth directly in front of your nipple. 
Lightly tickle baby's lower lip with your nipple and wait until baby's mouth opens wide. Place as much as possible of the dark part of your breast into the baby's mouth. 
Try to breastfeed about 10-15 minutes on each breast. Short, frequent feedings are best. In the beginning, you may need to unwrap and lightly touch your baby to help keep baby awake while nursing. 
Slip your fingertip into the side of baby's mouth and between baby's gums to release suction before you take nipple out of baby's mouth. 
Use both breasts. At each feeding, switch the breast you offer first.  
Allow nipples to air dry after each feeding. 
How Often to Breastfeed
Breastfeed frequently: 8 - 12 times in 24 hours or every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will make. During the day, wake the baby and offer your breastmilk at least every 3 hours, even if your baby doesn't seem hungry. It's okay to breastfeed to comfort your baby. Remember, all babies have fussy periods.

At Home
Use a variety of positions: Madonna or cradle, side lying, or football hold.

A breastfed baby's stools are soft and liquid. In the beginning, the baby has many stools which are dark (black to green) at first, and then slowly changes to yellow with small curds.

Mother's breasts feel full and firm for 3-7 days after the birth of baby. When the swelling goes away, it does not mean the milk supply has decreased. Keep breastfeeding 8-12 times in 24 hours to build up your milk supply.

Baby is Feeding Enough When
During the first week, baby has 3-4 wet diapers in 24 hours, normally containing soft stool. After one week of age, baby has 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours. Baby continues to gain weight.

Growth Spurts
Growth spurts normally occur around 10-14 days, 4-5 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age. Your baby will seem fussy and want to breastfeed every 1-1/2 to 
2 hours. This is nature’s way of increasing your milk supply. This won’t last long! After 1-2 days, the baby will be able to go longer between feedings.

The Older Baby
If you have extra milk, collected in, for example breast cups...avent sell them, they're really good lol. You can freeze it, for when you might need a little extra, but i would try to give it to baby in a cup rather than a bottle or from a teaspoon, especially before 3_4 wks to avoid nipple confusion. If you plan to express your milk try to avoid this if possible until after 6 weeks as it can interfere with milk supply in this crucial period, when your body is adjusting to your babys needs. A good time to express is when baby is completely full and one breast is full and uncomfortable.

Feeding frequently changes from 8-12 times in 24 hours for the first 3 weeks, to 6-8 times in 24 hours when the baby is 6 to 12 months old, don't be afraid to feed your baby on demand though as he won't get 'Overfed' on your perfectly balanced milk. Be prepared in hot weather for baby to feed often, as he satisfies his thirst by drinking the foremilk, this is the first milk that satisfys his thirst before the hindmilk flows to feed him.

Try to avoid pacifiers, most babies don't need them and they cause more harm than good.  A sling is excellent for breastfeeding on the move. Fast food, thats good for you..wonders never cease. Good luck with breastfeeding.

resources acknowledgement:http://www.lightlink.com/hilinda/Diane/breastorbottle.html( for info below.http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Plains/4072/index.html

"The newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."---Dr. Grantly Dick-Read

breastfeeding basics

Human Milk	Formula
has well over 300 known ingredients, including	has perhaps 100 ingredients, including
interferon and white blood cells	tropical oils
antibacterial and antiviral agents	no antiinfective agents
intestinal soothers	intestinal irritants
readily absorbed nutrients	poorly absorbed nutrients
everything a baby is known to need	microdeficiencies
several kinds of milk at each nursing	is the same throughout each feeding
changes to meet babys needs	changes only with manufacturing and preparation errors, which are common
is non-allergenic( diet can be altered to suit childs reactions)	in standard form contains either of 2 common allergens - cow milk or soybeans
is the human infant's only normal food	tries to approximate what's known about infant needs, at low production cost. Cow milk and soy are used not because they are the best imitation of human milk, but because they are readily available and cost-effective
promotes normal brain development	has been linked to lower intelligence scores
is always clean, straight from the source	is easily contaminated
promotes normal health in infancy and beyond	has been linked to increases in many infant illnesses, including SIDS, and to many long-term problems including malocclusion, childhood lymphoma, breast cancer, vision deficits, and diabetes
smells fine going in and coming out	smells... interesting