Breastfeeding is best

Why is breastfeeding good for your baby? 

Breast milk supports your baby’s growth and development and can help protect your baby from infections.

Breast milk: 

• Has hormones and the right amount of nutrients to help your baby grow and develop.
• Has antibodies that help fight infections. Breastfed babies often have fewer ear and stomach infections. 
• Has fatty acids, like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), that may support brain and eye development.
• May lower your baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS). SIDS is the unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old.
• Is easy for many babies to digest, which can mean less gas and belly pain.

Your milk also changes over time to match what your baby needs. In the first few days after birth, your body makes colostrum: a thick, sticky, and early form of breast milk rich in nutrients and antibodies. Then your milk changes over the next few days.

If your baby was born preterm (before 37 weeks) or has a health condition, such as a birth defect, you may need extra help to make breastfeeding work. Your healthcare provider, your baby’s provider, or a lactation consultant can help.  

Is breastfeeding good for mom? 

Yes. Breastfeeding is good for you too. It may:

• Increase the amount of a hormone (chemical) in your body called oxytocin. This helps your uterus (womb) after birth go back to the size it was before you got pregnant. It also helps stop bleeding after giving birth.
• Help you burn extra calories. This may help some moms lose some pregnancy weight over time. Every body heals and changes differently after birth. Help lower your risk for diabetes, and certain cancers.

Support bonding with your baby. Breastfeeding also delays the return of your period. But you can still get pregnant. Talk to your provider about birth control that’s safe to use when you’re breastfeeding.

Is breastfeeding safe for all moms and babies?  

Not always. Breastfeeding may not be safe for your baby if:

• You have certain medical conditions
• Take certain medicines
• Use harmful drugs

You can pass some infections, medicines and drugs to your baby through breast milk. Learn how to keep breast milk safe and healthy and talk to your provider if you think you have a condition that may make breastfeeding unsafe for your baby.

Is any amount of breastfeeding good? 

Yes. Feeding your baby only breast milk for at least 6 months is recommended. This means no water, formula, other liquids or solid food - just breast milk.

But breastfeeding doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”. Any amount can help your baby, even if you breastfeed for a short time. Some moms may feed both breast milk and formula. There are many breastfeeding challenges for new moms - some can’t make enough breast milk and others have physical challenges. You deserve support no matter how you feed your baby. 

What and who can help me with breastfeeding?

Getting started can take time and practice, but help is available. Our March of Dimes Breastfeeding Guide has tips for breastfeeding holds, using a breast pump and storing breast milk. Your provider can also help: 

• After having your baby, ask your provider for help with latching and how to hold your baby while breastfeeding. Latching is when your baby opens their mouth and is brought toward your breast to place it in their mouth. Many hospitals and birthing centers have a lactation consultant. Talk to your provider or your baby’s provider about how much weight your baby should be gaining while breastfeeding. Your baby may lose some weight in the first days.
• Keep in mind that some nipple pain is common in the beginning, and a provider or lactation consultant can help.

More information

American Academy of Pediatrics

La Leche League International

International Lactation Consultant Association

Womens Health: Breastfeeding

Last reviewed September, 2025

See also: Feeding your baby in the NICU