For the last five months, Lori Smith has been feeding her new baby Rebekah the all natural way.

"She eats five to six times a day and just is really fast and really good at getting what she needs and letting me know when she needs more,” said Lori Smith, mother.

Breastfeeding has a long list of health benefits for mom and baby.

"Particularly right off the bat the best thing I could do is nurse her,” said Smith.

Doctors say it allows the mother to pass on antibodies to fight off infectious diseases, and pass on vital nutrients.

"Even though it’s natural, it’s not always easy for everybody,” said pediatrician Larry Denk.

Pediatrician Larry Denk says breastfeeding is a learned skill; a skill some women have a hard time picking up.

"A lot of young women who have children didn't have a role model of a parent who breast fed and then encouraged the breast feeding,” said Denk.

Beyond the physical demands, mothers who breastfeed also face a social stigma. That’s why a handful of designated "baby friendly" hospitals in Upstate New York provide education and support programs designed to help new mothers learn to breastfeed.

"Hopefully with more education that their knowledge will overcome the stigma they might think is a problem,” said Denk.

For Lori, it's a formula that's worked.

"Breastfeeding is definitely a labor of love and I think women are quick to give it up if they don't have a good support system,” said Smith.

Although it's not always easy, Lori says breastfeeding is a choice she's glad she made.

"Nursing might not be for everybody. For some bottle feeding might be the way to go but for me I’d worry that I was making the wrong decision,” said Smith.