Newborn feeding | Breastfeeding benefits

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	Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Skip section navigation Beginnings First trimester Second trimester Third trimester For dads and partners Preparing for labor Preparing for your baby Giving birth Your hospital stay Your recovery at home Your newborn Newborn feeding Breastfeeding Formula feeding General feeding schedules How to burp your baby How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk Special circumstances Also available in print or as a mobile app Special topics Breastfeeding quiz Gestational diabetes Over-the-counter medicines safe to use during pregnancy Postpartum depression: Rachel's story Taking vitamin D during pregnancy Pregnancy tips Keep teeth healthy during pregnancy For example, be sure to eat right. More health tips... Allina Health services Pregnancy care Classes and support groups OB Homecare Resources for pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting Related resources Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding - Getting off to a good start Breastfeeding positions Common issues while breastfeeding Newborn feeding: Breastfeeding Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby. It has nutrients that are not found in formula. Did you know? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for one year. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years. There are many benefits of breastfeeding convenience: you do not need to prepare financial: your family can save up to $3,000 a year in formula costs public health: breastfeeding babies are healthier than babies who formula feed environmental: there is no clean-up or waste emotional: breastfeeding provides security, comfort and bonding. Benefits for your baby Breastfed babies are known to: Did you know? Breastmilk does not stain clothing and it produces less-smelly diapers than formula. have healthier immune systems be less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza and meningitis have decreased response to allergies have a lower risk for diseases such as diabetes, childhood cancer and asthma have a lower risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) be less likely to be overweight or obese have fewer doctors' visits and hospital stays have higher IQs. Any amount of breastmilk gives your baby's immune system positive effects, both short- and long-term. Breastmilk changes as your baby develops, making it the perfect food for growth and development. It is the only food your baby needs for the first six months. Benefits for you For you, breastfeeding: Tip After your baby is born, contact a lactation consultant and consider scheduling an appointment for a personal breastfeeding assessment. helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size helps reduce bleeding after birth can help protect against breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, anemia and urinary tract infections helps you lose weight releases hormones that help you relax and enjoy your baby. You and your baby are partners in breastfeeding. You both are learning together. It is normal if it takes awhile for you to feel comfortable with breastfeeding. Your baby may nurse well right from the start. Or, your baby may need more time before breastfeeding is well established. That means being a little more patient and making sure you are doing what you need to be physically comfortable during a feeding. Getting some support and advice if you feel there is a problem can make breastfeeding go more smoothly.

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, sixth edition, preg-ahc-90026, ISBN 1-931876-25-8

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 01/29/2013

Reviewed by: Allina Health Patient Education experts