08/12/2026
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk for some short- and long-term health conditions for both infants and mothers.
Infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of:
-Asthma.
- Obesity (during childhood).
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Ear infections.
- Lower respiratory infections.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants.
Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Ovarian cancer.
- Breast cancer.
Breastfeeding also keeps mother and baby close. Physical contact is important to newborns, and it helps them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Mothers also benefit from the closeness and bonding.
