Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Breast milk lowers a baby's risk of infections, including tummy bugs with diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and of being overweight later. Breastfeeding also lowers some long term health risks for the mother. These benefits are about reduced risk, not guarantees, and the NHS is clear that any amount of breast milk has a positive effect, so combination feeding and expressed milk count too.
What health bodies recommend
The World Health Organization's fact sheet on infant and young child feeding recommends that babies:
- start breastfeeding within one hour of birth
- have only breast milk for the first six months
- keep breastfeeding, alongside other foods, up to two years of age or beyond
The NHS page on the benefits of breastfeeding gives the same advice for the first six months, about 26 weeks, and says you can carry on alongside solid food for as long as you and your baby want. It also says the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.
Benefits for your baby
Fewer infections
The NHS says breastfeeding reduces a baby's risk of infections, with fewer hospital visits as a result, and of diarrhoea and vomiting. The WHO says early, exclusive and continued breastfeeding protects infants and children from infectious diseases.
A lower risk of SIDS
The NHS lists a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome among the benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding works alongside safe sleep, not instead of it; the safe sleep section of our newborn care guide covers the basics.
Less chance of being overweight later
Both the NHS and the WHO link breastfeeding with a lower risk of obesity. The WHO says breastfed children and adolescents are less likely to be overweight or obese.
Learning and development
The WHO notes that children and adolescents who were breastfed perform better on intelligence tests. This is a difference seen across large groups of children, so it says little about any single child.
Colostrum in the first days
The first milk, colostrum, is thick and golden yellow, and the NHS guide to the first few days describes it as a very concentrated food, so your baby needs only about a teaspoon at each feed. Starting to feed within the first hour, as the WHO recommends, means your baby gets it from the start.
Benefits for you
The NHS lists a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes for mothers who breastfeed. The WHO also says longer breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
After six months
Breast milk keeps giving these benefits after six months, but on its own it is no longer enough. The WHO explains that around six months a baby's need for energy and nutrients starts to exceed what breast milk provides, which is why solid foods are introduced then while breastfeeding continues.
If breastfeeding is hard
If the first weeks are hard, pain or worries about supply are reasons to get help early from a doctor, midwife or lactation consultant. A supportive nursing pillow and soft feeding bras can make long feeds more comfortable. For common questions on latch, feeding frequency and signs your baby is getting enough, see our breastfeeding questions and answers.
If you cannot breastfeed, or choose to combine breast milk with formula, remember the NHS point: any amount of breast milk helps.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
