The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breastmilk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique and changes to meet your baby\’s needs.
Research suggests that breastfed babies have lower risks of:
- Asthma
- Childhood leukemia
- Childhood obesity
- Ear infections
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Lower respiratory infections
- Necrotizing (nek-roh-TEYE-zing) enterocolitis (en-TUR-oh-coh-lyt-iss), a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in pre-term infants
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 2 diabetes
You can get more information on Breastfeeding and related subjects on Women’s Health.gov