Breast milk is the natural food source for infants younger than 1 year. Breast milk:

• Has the right amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat
• Provides the digestive proteins, minerals, vitamins, and hormones infants need
• Has antibodies that help keep your baby from getting sick

Your baby will have fewer:

• Allergies
• Ear infections
• Gas, diarrhea, and constipation
• Skin diseases (such as eczema)
• Stomach or intestinal infections
• Wheezing problems
• Respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis

Your breastfed baby may have a lower risk for developing:

• Diabetes
• Obesity or weight problems
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Tooth decay

You will:

• Form a unique bond between yourself and your baby
• Find it easier to lose weight
• Delay starting your menstrual periods
• Lower your risk for diseases, such as breast and certain ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and obesity

You can:

• Save about $1,000 per year when you do not buy formula
• Avoid bottle cleaning
• Avoid having to prepare formula (breast milk is always available at the right temperature)

Know that most babies, even premature babies, can breastfeed. Talk to a lactation consultant for help with breastfeeding.

Some babies may have trouble breastfeeding because of:

• Birth defects of the mouth (cleft lip or cleft palate)
• Problems with sucking
• Digestive problems
• Premature birth
• Small size
• Weak physical condition

You may have trouble breastfeeding if you have:

• Breast cancer or other cancer
• Breast infection or breast abscess
• Poor milk supply (uncommon)
• Previous surgery or radiation treatment

Breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who have:

• Active herpes sores on the breast
• Active, untreated tuberculosis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or AIDS
• Inflammation of the kidney
• Serious illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer)
• Severe malnutrition