Breastfeeding benefits both babies and mothers. Breast milk gives a baby ideal nutrition, supports growth and development, and helps protect both baby and mother against certain illnesses.
For babies
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies, and it changes as the baby grows to meet new needs |
| Protection | Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, childhood leukemia and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and fewer ear infections and stomach bugs |
| Antibodies | The mother's antibodies pass to the baby, helping build a strong immune system |
| Convenience | Mothers can feed anytime, anywhere, with no formula to mix or bottles to prepare — and when traveling, breastfeeding can comfort a baby whose routine is disrupted |
For mothers
Breastfeeding can lower a mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Recommendations
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend:
- exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months;
- adding appropriate complementary foods at about 6 months;
- continuing to breastfeed until the child is 2 years or older.
Sources
Based on "Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
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