Benefits of breastfeeding

Recently, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg grabbed headlines when he publicly advocated breastfeeding for babies rather than feeding by formula. His pro-breastfeeding position is in line with the city’s new “Latch On NYC” initiative set to launch in September, which will require staff at participating hospitals to encourage new mothers to breastfeed while make it more cumbersome to request formula.

Ultimately it’s a mother’s decision whether to breastfeed or use baby formula and a case can be made for either option. However, there is a preponderance of research showing clear benefits of breastfeeding not only for baby, but for mothers as well. Here’s a quick rundown:

Not only is breast milk more easily digested than baby formula, it provides a baby with ideal nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a baby’s life and then continuing it while also introducing new foods. Babies who were breastfed exclusively without any formula have fewer infections, respiratory illnesses and a decreased risk of allergies.

The AAP also notes that breastfeeding may play a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and it’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

Breastfeeding may also reduce a child's risk of becoming overweight or obese. An analysis of 17 studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that breastfeeding decreased a child's risk of becoming overweight as a teen or adult. The strongest link was seen in those who were exclusively breastfed, and even more so for babies who were breastfed longer.

Breastfeeding protects babies

1. Early breast milk is liquid gold – Known as liquid gold, colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum) is the thick yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount his or her tiny stomach can hold. (Visit How to know your baby is getting enough milk to see just how small your newborn's tummy is!)
2. Your breast milk changes as your baby grows – Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow. It is a thinner type of milk than colostrum, but it provides all of the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs.
3. Breast milk is easier to digest – For most babies - especially premature babies - breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow's milk and it takes time for babies' stomachs to adjust to digesting them.4. – The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk. In fact, among formula-fed babies, ear infections and diarrhea are more common.