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Benefits of breastfeeding

Nursing your baby; Lactation; Deciding to breastfeed

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Experts say that breastfeeding your baby is good for you and your baby. If you breastfeed for any length of time, no matter how short it is, you and your baby will benefit from breastfeeding.

Learn about breastfeeding your baby and decide if breastfeeding is for you. Know that breastfeeding takes time and practice. Get help from your family, nurses, lactation consultants, or support groups to succeed at breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is Good for Your Baby

Breast milk is the natural food source for infants younger than 1 year. Breast milk:

• Has the right amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat
• Provides the digestive proteins, minerals, vitamins, and hormones infants need
• Has antibodies that help keep your baby from getting sick

Your Breastfed Baby is Less Likely to get Sick

Your breastfed baby will have fewer:

• Allergies
• Ear infections
• Gas, diarrhea, and constipation
• Skin diseases (such as eczema)
• Stomach or intestinal infections
• Wheezing problems
• Respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis

Your breastfed baby may have a lower risk for developing:

• Diabetes
• Obesity or weight problems
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Tooth decay

Breastfeeding is Good for you too

You will:

• Form a unique bond between yourself and your baby
• Find it easier to lose weight
• Delay starting your menstrual periods
• Lower your risk for diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, breast and certain ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and obesity

Breastfeeding can Save you Time and Money

You can:

• Save about $1,000 per year when you do not buy formula
• Avoid bottle cleaning
• Avoid having to prepare formula (breast milk is always available at the right temperature)

Get Help if Your Baby or you Have Special Needs

Know that most babies, even premature babies, can breastfeed. Talk to a lactation consultant for help with breastfeeding.

Some babies may have trouble breastfeeding because of:

• Birth defects of the mouth (cleft lip or cleft palate)
• Problems with sucking
• Digestive problems
• Premature birth
• Small size
• Weak physical condition

You may have trouble breastfeeding if you have:

• Breast cancer or other cancer
• Breast infection or breast abscess
• Poor milk supply (uncommon)
• Previous breast surgery or radiation treatment

Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who have:

• Active herpes sores on the breast
• Active, untreated tuberculosis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or AIDS
• Inflammation of the kidney
• Serious illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer)
• Severe malnutrition

Related Information

References

Furman L, Schanler RJ. Breastfeeding. In: Gleason CA, Juul SE, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2018:chap 67.

Louis-Jacques A, Lawrence RM, Lawrence RA. The breast and the physiology of lactation. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 11.

Newton ER. Lactation and breastfeeding. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 25.

US Department of Health & Human Services website. Office on Women's Health. Breastfeeding: pumping and storing breastmilk. www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/pumping-and-storing-breastmilk. Updated February 22, 2021. Accessed January 4, 2023.

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Review Date: 11/10/2022  

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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