Montefiore Medical Center held a special event for mothers Thursday in honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  

Moms were welcomed by health experts, lactation specialists and clinicians.

The hospital provided information about breastfeeding and demonstrations on safe sleep practices and kangaroo care, as well as cradling newborns and skin to skin. 

"We are so excited! This is our second annual event and we just want to welcome the moms and let them know were here for them, to support them, and guide them through these early days in motherhood," a Montefiore Medical Center nurse said. 

Health officials say breast milk is the best food for babies during their first year of life because it helps them grow. They say antibodies in the milk also help protect babies from infections and illness. 

Mothers may also benefit from breastfeeding as well, as it could help lower the risk for diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.