Health Library

Benefits of Human Milk

How does human milk feeding help your baby?

• Human milk has antibodies (protective proteins) that protect your baby from infections.
• Babies fed human milk are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses.
• Babies fed human milk have fewer doctor and hospital visits than those who are fed formula.
• Human milk is easier to digest.
• Babies fed human milk are less likely to develop childhood obesity, diabetes and chronic bowel disease.
• Human milk protects your baby from cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
• Human milk feeding lowers the risk of asthma and eczema.
• Babies fed human milk have less risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and death during the first year, in general.
• Human milk is always ready, clean and safe. It is also free!

Human milk is also good for parents who provide breast milk. Maternal benefits include:

• Less risk of breast, ovarian, uterine and thyroid cancer.
• Less risk of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Parents who work outside the home miss fewer days of work caring for a sick infant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding

Are my breasts too small/large?

Milk production does not depend on breast size. Mothers with all different sized breasts can breastfeed.

Will breastfeeding hurt?

Your nipples can feel tender at first, but breastfeeding should not hurt. The sensation of a baby nursing at the breast is not painful. Ask for help right away if you are having pain. Call your doctor or lactation consultant.

Will breastfeeding tie me down?

Caring for a new baby is time-consuming. Babies breast feed often in the beginning. As your baby gets older, you will find it easier to take your baby out. You may also choose to express milk and leave it for a sitter to feed while you are away.

Will breastfeeding change the shape of my breasts?

Your breasts may change after birth when you lose weight. This is true whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed.

Do I have to follow a special diet if I am breastfeeding?

You do not need to follow a special diet. You should eat a variety of foods (breads, fruits, vegetables, meats) and drink to satisfy your thirst. Ask your doctor if you should continue taking prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. If you are a vegan, or have had stomach surgery, you may need to take a vitamin supplement.

Can I smoke if I am breastfeeding?

Smoking is harmful to your health. Mothers who are providing human milk are strongly encouraged to stop smoking and to minimize secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoking or using nicotine products can reduce your milk supply. If you smoke while breastfeeding, your baby has an increased risk of SIDS, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. If you choose to smoke or vape, do so right after breastfeeding, and limit the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. Do not smoke while breastfeeding and never smoke inside the house, car or near the baby. You can breastfeed while taking products used to stop smoking.

Can I take medicines if I am breastfeeding?

Even though most medicines pass into mother’s milk, fortunately, for most over the counter or prescription medications, the dose the infant receives is low. Talk to your provider about the safety of specific medicine and breastfeeding.

Can I breast and bottle feed my baby?

You can use bottles after the milk supply is well established. You can express your own milk and put it in a bottle to feed your baby. Some mothers choose to breastfeed for some feedings and offer infant formula at other feedings. Introducing formula feedings too early can cause problems with developing a good breast milk supply. When you offer formula feedings, your body thinks it is time to wean. Milk production will slow down (or does not start). If possible, let your baby get good at breastfeeding before introducing the bottle. Use a breast pump whenever you bottle feed to protect your milk supply. Most babies do fine with breast and bottle feeding in the early weeks.

Can I continue to breastfeed when I go back to work?

Yes! Human milk feeding helps you stay connected with your baby. A lot of mothers continue breastfeeding after they return to work. Effective breast pumps and milk storage containers are available to help you keep a good milk supply. Talk to your employer about breastfeeding even before your baby is born. Let your employer know that you plan to express breast milk after you return to work. Ask for a clean, private area to pump. You can pump during lunch or other breaks. There are laws that require employers to support human milk feeding. Mothers who provide breast milk for their babies miss less work, as their babies are sick less often. Employer medical costs are also lower and employee productivity is higher.