Every woman\’s journey to motherhood is different, but one of the first decisions a new mom makes is how to feed her child.
When you choose to breastfeed, you make an investment in your baby\’s future. Breastfeeding allows you to make the food that is perfect for your baby. Your milk gives your baby the healthy start that will last a lifetime.
Breastfeeding also:
- Protects your baby
- Benefits your health
- May make your life easier
- Benefits society
![\"Video:](\"https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/assets/images/breastfeeding/benefits.jpg\")
Watch videos and learn more about breastfeeding from experts and other moms.
For health professionals
- Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Breastfeeding and the Risk of Postneonatal Death in the United States (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
ePublications
![\"\"](\"https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/assets/images/breastfeeding/pdf.jpg\")
Breastfeeding fact sheet
(PDF, 160KB)
Your Guide to Breastfeeding
This easy-to-read publication has how-to information and support to help women breastfeed successfully.
Related information
ll material contained on this page is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women\’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.
You can get more information on Breastfeeding and related subjects on Women’s Health.gov