HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

When you decide to breastfeed, you are providing the best source of nutrition for your baby and health benefits that will last a lifetime. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding and contributes to your baby’s emotional development.

BREASTFEEDING

Deciding to breastfeed your new baby is a very personal decision. Many studies have proven that breast milk offers many health benefits for you and your baby.

BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS FOR YOUR BABY

BREASTFEEDING HEALTH BENEFITS FOR YOU

• Decreases obesity later in childhood • Less likely to have insulin-dependent diabetes • Decreases risk of childhood cancer • Protects against allergies

• Breast milk is easy to digest • Lowers the risk of SIDS • Protects against respiratory and diarrheal disease • Lowers the risk of ear infections

• Lowers risk of osteoporosis later in life • Hormone release helps your uterus contract to prevent bleeding • Reduces risk of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer • May reduce the risk of heart disease • Decreases insulin use if you have diabetes

NEED TO KNOW

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.

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58 Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy