Breastfeeding has well-established health benefits for both babies and mothers. At the same time, families sometimes need or choose expressed milk, donor milk, infant formula, or a combination. A safe feeding plan is one that meets the baby’s nutritional needs and supports the parent’s health and circumstances.
What Do Current Recommendations Say?
WHO and UNICEF recommend starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth when possible, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods from around 6 months up to 2 years or beyond.
CDC notes that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Some breastfed infants also need additional vitamin D, and some may need iron depending on age and individual circumstances.
Benefits for Babies
Breast milk provides nutrition and antibodies that support a developing immune system. Breastfeeding is associated with lower risks of some infections and health conditions, including ear infections, gastrointestinal illness, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and some longer-term conditions.
These are population-level associations; breastfeeding cannot guarantee that a baby will or will not develop a particular illness.
Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding is associated with lower maternal risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also stimulates oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract after birth.
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the thick, nutrient-rich milk produced during late pregnancy and the first days after birth. Newborns take small amounts frequently because their stomachs are small. Mature milk increases over the following days. For broader prenatal health guidance, see 8 Essential Things Every Pregnant Woman Should Know.
What If Breastfeeding Is Difficult?
Pain, poor latch, low milk transfer, prematurity, infant illness, previous breast surgery, some medicines, and many other factors can make feeding harder. Early support from a trained lactation professional, midwife, pediatric clinician, or other qualified healthcare professional can help.
Seek prompt help if a newborn is very sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds, is feeding poorly, has fewer wet diapers than expected, shows signs of dehydration or jaundice, or is not gaining weight appropriately.
Formula and Combination Feeding
Commercial infant formula is an important and appropriate source of nutrition when breast milk is unavailable, insufficient, contraindicated, or not chosen. Formula should be prepared exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions with safe water and clean feeding equipment.
Parents should not dilute formula, make homemade formula, or add extra powder in an attempt to improve growth. Incorrect preparation can be dangerous.
Breastfeeding and Weight Loss
Breastfeeding uses energy, but postpartum weight change varies greatly. It should not be promoted as a guaranteed weight-loss method. Recovery, nutrition, sleep, mental health, and overall wellbeing matter more than returning rapidly to a pre-pregnancy weight.
Bottom Line
Breastfeeding provides meaningful health benefits and is recommended when it works for the parent and baby. Families who use formula or combination feeding also deserve accurate, nonjudgmental support. If feeding, milk supply, weight gain, pain, or infant hydration is a concern, get individualized help early.
Reliable Sources
- WHO: Infant and Young Child Feeding
- CDC: Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom
- CDC: Breastfeeding Fast Facts
Last reviewed for medical accuracy: September 2026.