Breastfeeding Resource Hub
Breastfeeding Resource Hub
From the day she is born, breastfeeding gives baby the very best start to life—and the benefits reach far into the future. Breastmilk is nature’s perfect first food, tailor-made for babies providing all the vitamins, proteins and fats that they need for the first six months—no other liquids or foods needed!
When it comes to brain development, breastmilk is nature’s superfood. Infancy is a time of remarkable brain growth and learning. Breastmilk provides the perfect nutrition for this crucial period, containing essential nutrients, proteins, growth factors, and hormones that infant formula cannot replicate. Studies show that breastfed babies perform better in intelligence tests and have higher IQ scores.Beyond nutrition, breastfeeding fosters mother-to-child bonding, strengthening sensory and emotional development essential for cognitive and socio-emotional growth.
Breastfeeding gives babies the healthiest start to life, acting as their first vaccine. Packed with antibodies, stem cells, and other unique properties, breastmilk builds immunity and protects against infections, SIDS, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of childhood obesity and benefits maternal health by lowering the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, and depression. Leading health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least 24 months to maximize health benefits for both mom and baby.
Babies get the best start at life when they drink nothing but breastmilk until they are 6 months old, and continue breastfeeding until they are 2 years old while also consuming other nutritious complementary foods. Even though breastfeeding is the best way to protect newborns from malnutrition, infections, and disease, only 41% of babies around the world are exclusively breastfed. Many mothers who would like to breastfeed cannot access the support and information they need to be successful. One-to-one and group breastfeeding counseling helps provide mothers with the support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals.
Despite its numerous benefits, many mothers lack the support needed to successfully breastfeed. Advocacy efforts focus on providing the right support, advice, and encouragement to mothers, along with skilled assistance to resolve any breastfeeding issues. By promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies and creating supportive environments, we can ensure more mothers and babies reap the extraordinary health benefits of breastfeeding. Through collective action, we can improve health outcomes and save lives, as breastfeeding has the potential to save over 820,000 young children and 20,000 women annually.
Research & Analysis
Key research and technical publications distilled into easy-to-follow points, quotes and stats to inform your advocacy
Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
New Research Highlights Critical Need for Strong Policies to Leverage the Value of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding bills to look for in the 118th Congress
Keeping Healthy During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
5 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding and HIV
5 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding in Emergencies
Unleashing A Woman’s Power to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding: A Collective Responsibility
Why Support for Breastfeeding Moms Matters
Breastfeeding Social Media Toolkit
While we celebrate breastfeeding every August, we hold space for ALL infant feeding journeys. We need to do everything we can to support infant nutrition and food security, including ensuring access to lactation support, supplies, and accommodations, donor milk, and access to infant formula.
Access our complete breastfeeding inspiration guide here.
