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

Since 2012, the AAP has recommended: Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of a baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

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58 Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy