13 Facts About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has a number of benefits to both mother and baby that infant formula lacks.

Breastfeeding is less expensive than infant formula, but its impact on mothers' ability to earn an income is not usually factored into calculations comparing the two feeding methods.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends only supplementing when medically indicated, as opposed to mixing use of formula and breastmilk for reasons that are not necessarily medical indications.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that supplementation only be used when medically indicated and when overseen by a medical professional, such as a pediatrician or family physician, and after consultation with a lactation counselor .

World Health Organization's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding recommends total avoidance of pacifiers for breastfeeding infants.

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Breastfeeding triplets or larger broods is a challenge given babies' varying appetites.

Breastfeeding is associated with a lowered risk of a number of diseases in both mothers and babies.

Breastfeeding is associated with a lower chance of developing diabetes mellitus type 1 in the offspring.

Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among mothers who practice it.

Breastfeeding can generally be attempted after breast augmentation or reduction surgery, however prior breast surgery is a risk factor for low milk supply.

Breastfeeding is less costly than alternatives, but the mother generally must eat more food than she would otherwise.

Breastfeeding reduces health care costs and the cost of caring for sick babies.

Breastfeeding research continues to assess prevalence, HIV transmission, pharmacology, costs, benefits, immunology, contraindications, and comparisons to synthetic breast milk substitutes.