Breastfeeding provides numerous health, emotional, and practical benefits for both mother and baby. It promotes bonding between mother and child, aids in postpartum weight loss for the mother, and reduces health risks for both. Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick and have fewer ear infections, allergies, and dental cavities. Breastfeeding is more convenient than formula feeding as it is always available at the right temperature and requires no preparation. It allows for more flexibility in parenting and is environmentally friendly without waste or pollution.

1. Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding saves time Breastfeeding promotes bonding
• Breastfeeding allows you to feed or calm your • Breastfeeding promotes closeness of mother and
baby immediately, which leads to a happier baby child, and helps mom learn baby’s cues quicker.
who cries less.
• There is nothing to prepare, buy or clean. No Breastfeeding makes cleanup easier and more
shopping for formula, measuring, mixing, warming pleasant
or sterilizing. No time washing bottles and other • The diapers and spit up of breastfed babies don’t
feeding equipment. smell bad.
• A breastfed baby's spit-up doesn't stain clothing.
Breastfeeding builds mom's self-confidence
Going out is easier with breastfed babies
Breastfeeding saves money
• Breastfeeding moms can travel light. It takes less
• Breastfeeding moms have no formula costs and time to pack the diaper bag - all you need is a
fewer doctor bills. diaper and wipes, and perhaps a change of
clothes for baby.
Breastfed babies and their mothers are • A breastfeeding mom can go places on the spur
healthier throughout life of the moment, or stay out longer than planned
• Breastfed babies get sick less often. When baby without worrying about what baby will eat.
does get sick, the illness is usually less severe • A breastfeeding mom has no need to find a place
and shorter than it would have been if baby was to heat a bottle or a safe water source.
not breastfed.
• Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections. Breastfeeding helps mom get her body back
• Breastfed babies have fewer allergies. • Many moms have an easier time losing weight
• Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of even without restricting calories. Research shows
breast cancer, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis), that exclusively breastfeeding mothers tend to
anemia, and more. have a greater loss of weight, body fat
• Breastfeeding moms cancel fewer social events percentage, and hip and upper thigh
and miss less work/school due to a sick baby. circumference.
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its regular
Breastfed babies have better dental health size more quickly, so mom can get her tummy
• Breastfeeding promotes better jaw development, back into shape quicker.
resulting in less orthodontic work.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to get cavities. Breastfeeding gives mom a free hand
Breastfed babies can nurse to sleep at night • With a little practice (once breastfeeding is going
without mom worrying about cavities from baby- well), mom can breastfeed and eat at the same
bottle tooth decay. time, breastfeed and talk on the phone at the
same time, etc. Mom can also breastfeed while
Breastfeeding allows baby to reach his/her full shopping, caring for other children or reading.
IQ potential
Breastfeeding helps to space babies
• The longer your baby is breastfed, the better
his/her IQ and grades in school. • Breastfeeding usually delays mom’s period for
many months.
Breastfeeding helps mom rest and relax • If baby is getting only breastmilk and mom’s
• Breastfeeding hormones help mom to feel relaxed period hasn’t returned, breastfeeding is 98-99.5%
and peaceful. effective in preventing pregnancy during the first 6
• Breastfeeding can be a relaxing break, and help a months – with typical use, that’s more effective
postpartum mom get enough rest. than any other form of birth control out there
• Breastfeeding allows mom to feed baby quicker except an IUD or abstinence.
so everyone can go back to sleep.
Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly
• Mom can nurse and sleep at the same time (with
a little practice). • Breastfeeding produces no waste, no packaging,
and no pollution.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Copyright © 2004 Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
Revised 4/19/04 www.kellymom.com