MODEL RELEASED. Breast-feeding. A mother breast- feeds her 4-month-old baby girl. Breast-feeding is thought to be better for a baby than bottle- feeding. Unlike cow's milk, human milk contains an ideal balance of nutrients, as well as antibodies that help protect against infection. Breast- feeding also helps to strengthen the intimate bond between a mother and child by bringing them into frequent, close physical contact. Some women, however, experience problems such as painfully engorged breasts or sore nipples. Engorged breasts can be relieved by manually expressing the milk, while sore nipples can be protected with a shield or treated with antibiotics if infected.