National Breastfeeding Month
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.
Five great benefits of breastfeeding.
- Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet her baby’s nutritional needs.
- Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. - Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. - Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted. - Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until a child is 12 months old or older. You can read the full recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.external icon
Resources
Great Start Livingston – Breastfeeding Resources
For Breastfeeding Parents
- Breastfeeding (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Breastfeeding (Office on Women’s Health)
- Michigan Breastfeeding Network (Statewide)
For Families
- H.U.G. Your Baby (Michigan WIC)
- How can Dads and Partners Support Breastfeeding? (MDHHS)
- How can Grandparents Support Breastfeeding (MDHHS)
- Helpful Breastfeeding Websites (MDHHS)
- How Families Can Help Support Breastfeeding Moms (Medela)
For Child Care Providers
- Supporting Breastfeeding in Your Home Child Care (Penn State Extension)
- Support for Breastfeeding in Early Care and Education (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Planning for Infants and Toddlers – Supporting Breastfeeding (Child Care Technical Assistance Network)
- Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants in Child Care (Extension Alliance for Better Child Care)
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
