Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tip: Choose Breastfeeding

Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. A baby's risk of becoming an overweight child goes down with each month of breastfeeding. Also, women who breastfeed may have lower rates of ovarian cancer and certain types of breast cancer.
Take a minute to make the choice that's best for you and your baby.

• If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor or nurse health provider about the benefits of breastfeeding.
• If you're a new mother, make the choice to breastfeed.
• Contact your doctor, nurse, or lactation specialist if you have problems or want resources in your area that support breastfeeding.

Learn More

• Breastfeeding
• The CDC Guide to Strategies to Support Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies
• Who Can Help Support Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding (HHS)