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Read time: 5 minutes

What should I know about the benefits of breastmilk?

  • Why breastfeeding is so highly recommended
  • Short- and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for baby (and you!)
  • Why support matters for your success

Pregnancy and infancy represent a critical period of growth and development for your baby. This is the best time to provide an environment that will help support life-long health, including the nutrition your baby gets.

The most complete form of nutrition for infants - breastmilk - offers a range of benefits for health, growth, immunity, and development.

The World Health Organization as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months (and even up to two years and beyond).1, 2 Many studies show the long-lasting benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.3, 4

Need some help breastfeeding? Check out:

What is in breastmilk?

Breastmilk is easy to digest and provides the perfect balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and nutrients to promote the growth and development of your baby. Interestingly, breastmilk changes as your baby grows to help best meet her needs.

Breastmilk also contains hundreds of invaluable substances, including:

  • Antibodies and white blood cells
  • Probiotics (as many as 600 different species!)
  • Hormones
  • Growth factors
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Oligosaccharides (special carbohydrates that encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system)
  • Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (important for the development of their brain, eyes and nervous system)
  • Cytokines (special proteins involved in cell communication and immune system formation)
  • And many, many more!6

Breastfeeding not only provides your baby with tailored nutrition, but it’s available on demand, day or night, and it’s free of charge! Though the health benefits of breastmilk go well beyond convenience and cost.

Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists and lactation consultants is available to chat for free! They’re here to help on our free to live chat from Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (ET). Chat now!

Read about: Should I Breastfeed On Demand or on a Schedule?

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for baby?

Scientific research suggests a substantial number of potential health benefits of breastfeeding for baby. These benefits include:

  • Decreased rates of sudden infant death syndrome in the first year of life (an effect that becomes even stronger when breastfeeding is exclusive)7, 8
  • Lower post-neonatal infant mortality rates9
  • Decreased risk of baby developing eczema, asthma, and food allergies later in life10, 11
  • Slightly enhanced performance on tests of cognitive development.12, 13
  • Lower incidence of infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infection, respiratory tract illness bacterial meningitis, urinary tract infection, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late onset sepsis in preterm infants.14, 15
  • Improved dental health and reduced teeth alignment issues.16
  • Reduction of the risk of obesity later in life.17, 18
  • Decreased rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and other disease in older children and adults.19, 20, 21, 22

And if this wasn’t enough, breastmilk also exposes your baby to the flavors of the foods you eat. This can help her become a more adventurous eater when she herself begins to eat solids, and throughout her lifetime as well.23

Learn more:

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for mom?

Your baby isn’t the only one who benefits from breastfeeding.24 The health benefits for the breastfeeding parent are also significant and include:

  • A lasting, intimate bond with your baby. Especially if you stay present while nursing with lots of touching, talking, singing, and eye contact.25, 26
  • Stimulation of your body to produce antibodies in your milk which in turn helps your baby stay well or recover faster if sick.27, 28
  • May help with your return to your pre-pregnancy weight by increasing your energy requirements, promoting the mobilization of fat stores, and quickens your uterus to contract to its pre-pregnancy size.29, 30
  • Decreased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.31, 32
  • Reduced risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.33, 34

Breastfeeding can also just make life easier for you, too.

At night, putting a baby to your breast is much simpler and faster than getting up to prepare or warm a bottle of formula. It’s wonderful to be able to pick up the baby and go out—whether around town or on longer trips—without having to carry a bag full of feeding equipment.

Not to mention you’re sparing the environment the creation and recycling or landfilling of so much formula packaging all while sparing your bank account!

Learn about:

How Can I Prepare To Breastfeed?

Plan ahead for breastfeeding success

Before giving birth, familiarize yourself with breastfeeding, latching and what to expect in the first few weeks of nursing. You’ll be swept up in lots of excitement when your baby is born, so having some initial familiarity with these concepts will help with the transition.

Learn more:

Where can I find breastfeeding support?

Familiarize yourself with your hospital or birth center’s onsite breastfeeding support as well as support you can access once you’re back home. Supports can include lactation counselors or consultants and breastfeeding hotlines. If you are delivering in a hospital, find out if the hospital supports The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

You can also chat with our Happy Experts, who are breastfeeding specialists, lactation counselors, and registered dietitian nutritionists. They can help with many of these issues and help you find local lactation support if you need in-person assessment. Chat now.

Find a local lactation consultant before you give birth

Breastfeeding is a new skill for both you and your baby, whether it’s your first or your 4th! While you’ll learn and find your way together, you still may need or simply want additional support, or a home visit. It’s best to locate these helpful individuals in advance!

In addition to relying on the Happy Experts , seek out a local lactation counselor or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

How long should I breastfeed for?

Aim to breastfeed exclusively (breastmilk only) until your baby is about 6 months old.

At approximately 6 months, you can introduce solid foods as a complementary feeding method while continuing to breastfeed as the benefits of breastmilk continue well through the first and second years.

What if I don’t breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is not always a possibility, whether you’re not able to or choose not to.

Some parents need or choose to provide donor milk to their babies through safe, established human milk banks, such as Human Milk Banking Association of North America ( HMBANA ). Other women opt for formula feeding. No matter which way you feed your little one, making sure your little one is well-fed and developing appropriately is the priority.

Speak to a Happy Expert who can help guide and support you in making the best feeding plan for you and your family.

Read about: When you Can’t Breastfeed: How to Dry Up Your Breastmilk Supply

Let’s Chat!

We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond.

Our Happy Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitians certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too, which means they’ve been there and seen that. They’re here to help on our free, live chat platform Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (ET). Chat Now!

Read more about the experts who help write our content!

For more on this topic, check out the following articles

  1. Meek J, Nobel L. Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics.2022. 150 (1) e827-e841. Accessed 13 February 2023. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057988https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057988/188347/Policy-Statement-Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
  2. World Health Organization. Breastfeeding. WHO.int. February 2019. Accessed 28 June 2021https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
  3. World Health Organization. Infant and Young Child Feeding. WHO.int. June 2021. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding/conditioninfo/benefits
  4. NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding? NICHD.nih.gov. July 2018. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding/conditioninfo/benefits
  5. Kramer MS, Kakuma R. Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD003517. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003517. pub2. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003517.pub2/full
  6. Olivia Ballard, Ardythe L. Morrow. Human Milk Composition: Nutrients and Bioactive Factors. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 2013;60(1):49-74. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031395512001678
  7. Caroline J. Chantry, Cynthia R. Howard and Peggy Auinger. Full Breastfeeding Duration and Associated Decrease in Respiratory Tract Infection in US Children. Pediatrics February 2006, 117 (2) 425-432. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/2/425
  8. Nishimura T, Suzue J, Kaji H. Breastfeeding reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection among young infants: a multi-center prospective study. Pediatr Int. 2009;51(6):812–816. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19419530/
  9. Bartick M, Reinhold A. The burden of suboptimal breastfeeding in the United States: a pediatric cost analysis. Pediatrics. 2010;125(5). Accessed 28 June 2021 https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/125/5/e1048
  10. Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Allergy and Immunology. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121(1):183–191. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/121/1/183
  11. Ip S, Chung M, Raman G, Trikalinos TA, Lau J. A summary of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's evidence report on breastfeeding in developed countries. Breastfeed Med. 2009 Oct;4 Suppl 1:S17-30. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19827919/
  12. Lee H, Park H, Ha E, et al. Effect of Breastfeeding Duration on Cognitive Development in Infants: 3-Year Follow-up Study. J Korean Med Sci. 2016;31(4):579-584. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.579. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4810341/
  13. Lopez D., Foxe J., Mao Y., Thompson W., Martin H., Freedman E. Breastfeeding Duration Is Associated With Domain-Specific Improvements in Cognitive Performance in 9–10-Year-Old Children. Frontiers in Public Health. 2021(9):434. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.657422/full
  14. Duijts L, Ramadhani MK, Moll HA. Breastfeeding protects against infectious diseases during infancy in industrialized countries. A systematic review. Matern Child Nutr. 2009 Jul;5(3):199-210. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19531047
  15. Duijts L, Jaddoe VW, Hofman A, Moll HA. Prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases in infancy. Pediatrics. 2010 Jul;126(1):e18-25. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20566605/
  16. Salone L, Vann W, Dee L. Breastfeeding: An overview of oral and general health benefits. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2013 Feb;144(2):143-151. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60615-2/fulltext
  17. Owen CG, Martin RM, Whincup PH, Smith GD, Cook DG. Effect of infant feeding on the risk of obesity across the life course: a quantitative review of published evidence. Pediatrics. 2005;115(5):1367–1377. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/115/5/1367
  18. Rito A, I, Buoncristiano M, Spinelli A, Salanave B: Association between Characteristics at Birth, Breastfeeding and Obesity in 22 Countries: The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative – COSI 2015/2017. Obes Facts 2019;12:226-243. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/500425#
  19. Rosenbauer J, Herzig P, Giani G. Early infant feeding and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus-a nationwide population-based case-control study in pre-school children. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008 Mar-Apr;24(3):211-22. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17968982/
  20. Lund-Blix NA, Dydensborg Sander S, Størdal K. Infant Feeding and Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in Two Large Scandinavian Birth Cohorts. Diabetes Care. 2017 Jul;40(7):920-927. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487451/
  21. Bener A, Hoffmann GF, Afify Z, Rasul K, Tewfik I. Does prolonged breastfeeding reduce the risk for childhood leukemia and lymphomas? Minerva Pediatr. 2008;60(2):155–16. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18449131/
  22. Kwan ML, Buffler PA, Abrams B, Kiley VA. Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood leukemia: a meta-analysis. Public Health Rep. 2004;119(6):521–535. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15504444/
  23. Beauchamp GK, Mennella JA. Flavor perception in human infants: development and functional significance. Digestion. 2011;83 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):1-6. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202923/
  24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Breastfeeding: Why it Matters. CDC.org. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html
  25. Liu J, Leung P, Yang A. Breastfeeding and active bonding protects against children's internalizing behavior problems. Nutrients. 2013;6(1):76-89. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916850/
  26. Weaver JM, Schofield TJ, Papp LM. Breastfeeding duration predicts greater maternal sensitivity over the next decade. Dev Psychol. 2018;54(2):220-227.Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6708079/
  27. American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby’s Immune System. Healthychildren.org. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Breastfeeding-Benefits-Your-Babys-Immune-System.aspx
  28. Hanson LA. Breastfeeding provides passive and likely long-lasting active immunity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1998 Dec;81(6):523-33. Accessed 28 June 2021 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9892025/
  29. Krause KM, Lovelady CA, Peterson BL, Chowdhury N, Østbye T. Effect of breast-feeding on weight retention at 3 and 6 months postpartum: data from the North Carolina WIC Program. Public Health Nutr. 2010;13(12):2019–2026. Accessed 28 June 2021 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20519049/
  30. Jarlenski MP, Bennett WL, Bleich SN, Barry CL, Stuart EA. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women. Prev Med. 2014;69:146-150. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312189/
  31. Stuebe AM, Willett WC, Xue F, Michels KB. Lactation and incidence of premenopausal breast cancer: a longitudinal study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(15):1364–1371.Accessed 28 June 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19667298/
  32. Babic A, Sasamoto N, Rosner BA, et al. Association Between Breastfeeding and Ovarian Cancer Risk. JAMA Oncol. 2020;6(6):e200421. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2763398
  33. Sylvia H. Ley, Jorge E. Chavarro, Mengying Li, Wei Bao, Lactation Duration and Long-term Risk for Incident Type 2 Diabetes in Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care Apr 2020, 43 (4) 793-798. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/43/4/793
  34. Schwarz EB, Brown JS, Creasman JM, et al. Lactation and maternal risk of type 2 diabetes: a population-based study [published correction appears in Am J Med. 2011 Oct;124(10):e9]. Am J Med. 2010;123(9):863.e1-863.e8636. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930900/

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