Facts to Know

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1. Breastfeeding is highly recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other leading health organizations strongly recommend exclusive breastfeeding (with no formula) for the baby's first six months of life. Breastfeeding should ideally continue through the first year of life or beyond.

2. Breast milk is preferred for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with few exceptions, according to the AAP. Human milk is rich in nutrients and easier to digest.

3. Breastfed infants are healthier. They have fewer deaths during the first year and experience fewer and shorter illnesses than formula-fed babies.

4. The health benefits add up. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the health benefits for you and your baby.

5. Supply and demand. Many mothers worry about whether their babies are getting enough milk. Your milk supply will respond to your baby's needs—the more your baby suckles, the more milk will be produced.

6. Breastfeed early. Try breastfeeding within the first hour of giving birth. This is an important time to bond with your baby and learn breastfeeding techniques from a lactation consultant or nurse on staff.

7. Some new mothers experience difficulties breastfeeding. In fact, more than one-third of mothers report problems during the first few weeks, such as sore nipples, breast pain or swelling. If problems persist, talk with your health care provider or ask to be referred to a lactation consultant. The good news is that most of these problems can be resolved with patience, practice or treatment.

8. Working mothers can and should continue breastfeeding. More and more new mothers are returning to work and plan to continue breastfeeding. Make sure to speak with your employer or human resources manager before returning so you can discuss the logistics of pumping at work. Find out if there is a private room you can use and how you will fit pumping breaks into your schedule. Know your rights. Many states now have laws that require employers to set up a space for you and/or allow unpaid or paid time to accommodate pumping breaks.

9. In some cases, breastfeeding is not recommended. For example, mothers with certain health conditions can pass illnesses on to the baby through breast milk. These include:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• T-cell leukemia virus type 1

• Active, untreated tuberculosis

Mothers who use illicit drugs, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, or are taking prescribed chemotherapy or radiation therapies for cancer also should not breastfeed their babies. If you have a herpes lesion (sore) on your breast, you should not breastfeed.

Women who have had breast reduction surgery or breast implants may not be able to breastfeed because of the impact these surgeries can have on milk production. However, each woman's breast anatomy and breast surgery is unique. Discuss any concerns you may have about your ability to breast feed or complications you may experience breastfeeding with health care professional.

10. Breastfeeding has economic benefits. Mothers of breastfed babies tend to have fewer missed work days and shorter absences because breastfed babies are better able to fight off infection and are sick less often. Companies incur fewer insurance claims for infant illnesses. Breastfeeding save families money because it's a lot less expensive than formula.