WHO can now say with full confidence that breastfeeding reduces child mortality and has health benefits that extend into adulthood (1).
Exclusive breastfeeding - that is, the infant only receives breastmilk without any additional food or drink, not even water (1).
Breastfeeding on demand - that is, as often as the child wants, day and night (1).
No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers (1).
Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development (1).
Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life (1).
Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment (1).
The research on the benefits of breast milk is rock-solid – there is simply no adequate substitute for breast milk when it comes to protecting the health of your baby (2).
Breast milk contains the exact amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that your baby needs. Breast milk also contains antibodies, growth factors, essential fatty acids, and hormones that protect your baby from illness and help him develop at just the right pace (2).
Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of many childhood diseases, including asthma, ear infections, intestinal infections, and allergies. Also, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of medical conditions and diseases that show up in adulthood, such as obesity, diabetes and certain types of cancer (2).
The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of any doctor or health care provider. I encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
Last Updated August 2017
1. http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/
2. http://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/nutrition-during-breastfeeding/