Want to send this story to another AOL member? Click on the heart at the top of this window. Breast or Bottle-Feeding ... AMERIGROUP Offers Mothers Information to Help Determine the Best Choice VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A mother's decision whether to breast or bottle-feed is a very personal one. Medical research indicates that breast-feeding may be healthier for stimulating a child's growth. However, the mother's lifestyle and daily responsibilities should be carefully considered in choosing a method that's best for both mother and child. To help mothers make this important decision, AMERIGROUP Corporation (Nasdaq: <A HREF="aol://4785:AMGP">AMGP</A>) offers the following points to consider. Breast-feeding * Breast milk provides babies with all the necessary nutrients for growth and development during their first 12 months of life. * Breast milk helps protect the baby from certain illnesses like earaches, allergies and colds. * There is no cost to breast-feeding. While breast-feeding, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals on a regular basis. * Breast milk is always ready and the right temperature, no matter where you plan to nurse. * You can pump breast milk into a container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months. This allows others to help feed the baby. Bottle-feeding * For those mothers who prefer privacy if nursing, bottle-feeding doesn't require finding a quiet, private place to feed your baby. Bottle-feeding can occur anywhere. * Bottle-feeding allows other family members to assist with feeding the baby. * Bottles and nipples need to be purchased for bottle-feeding. * Formula must be mixed with water and heated at feeding time. * If you start make the decision to bottle-feed your baby after delivery, you cannot change to breast-feeding. Breasts stop making milk when you do not breast-feed after delivery. "The choice between breast and bottle-feeding is a personal one that should be given careful through," said Lorenzo Childress, chief medical officer of AMERIGROUP Corporation. "If you have any questions or concerns, you shouldn't hesitate to consult your obstetrician or your child's pediatrician." AMERIGROUP Corporation brings this information to individuals and families across America to help create a difference in their lives. For information on other health topics, visit AMERIGROUP at http://www.amerigroupcorp.com . CONTACT: Adam Birnbaum of AMERIGROUP Corporation, +1-757-473-2737, ext. 2811, or [log in to unmask] MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X24312187 SOURCE AMERIGROUP Corporation CO: AMERIGROUP Corporation ST: Virginia IN: HEA SU: WOM CHI 02/13/2002 09:57 EST http://www.prnewswire.com *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html