Breastfeeding is vital for both infant health and maternal well-being. It provides optimal nutrition for babies, supports their immune system development, and offers long-term health benefits. For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain cancers, strengthen bonding, and help with postpartum recovery. Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding.

  • Breast milk is specially designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of human infants, offering a perfect balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that protect infants from infections, allergies, and diseases, including ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Breast milk is easier for infants to digest than formula, which can help reduce digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
  • Breast milk promotes healthy brain and nervous system growth, which can result in improved cognitive outcomes later in life.
  • Breastfeeding can lower the risk of mothers developing chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers later in life.
  • Breastfeeding can also help mothers lose pregnancy weight, contract the uterus, and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. It has also been linked to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers.
  • Skin-to-skin contact and closeness during breastfeeding can enhance the bond between mother and baby.
  • Breast milk is always available, ready to use, and free, helping families save money on formula.

Locally, breastfeeding support is available through The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo’s Baby Café, which offers free, drop-in support and lactation services. The Care Connection provides classes, consultations, and supplies, including breast pumps. Catholic Health offers breastfeeding classes and support through its Baby Cafe at Sisters of Charity Hospital, and Buffalo Doula Services LLC offers lactation consultations.