In addition to the joyful bonding that occurs with breastfeeding, the health benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby are well-documented. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months
- Continued breastfeeding as foods are introduced
- Continued breastfeeding for 1 year or longer (up to mom and baby)
Benefits for You:
Breastfeeding can improve your postpartum experience and reduce your risk for disease.
- More rapid return of uterus to pre-birth size
- Decreased postpartum blood loss
- Increase loss of baby weight (with 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding)
- Reduced risk of:
- Postpartum depression
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Breast and ovarian cancers
Benefits for Your Baby:
Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk for developing many chronic conditions.
| Condition | Estimated Risk Reduction With Breastfeeding for Any Length of Time |
| Otitis Media (Ear Infections) | 23% |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infections | 72% |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Infections | 64% |
| Necrotizing Enterocolitis | 58% |
| Sudden Infant Death Syndrome | 36% |
| Allergic Disease | 27-42% |
| Celiac Disease | 52% |
| Obesity | 15-30% |
| Diabetes | 30% |
For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding:
American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Initiatives
Source: Section on Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics. 2012;129(3):e827
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. If you have questions about your health or your baby’s health, please contact your health care provider.
