Pregnancy & parentingWomen's health

Is breastfeeding right for you? 8 facts to help you decide

Do you have to change your diet? And how long should you nurse? Here are the answers.

Jan, 2026
LearnMaternity healthIs breastfeeding right for you? 8 facts to help you decide
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It’s a health boost for baby
It’s a health boost for you, too!
It’s not always easy—and that’s normal
It’s super convenient
You’ll bond with your baby
How long you breastfeed depends on you and your baby
A healthy diet is good for you and your baby
It takes time to get in a groove

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Breastfeeding is recommended for most newborns by most major health organizations, including the World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And for good reason: Breastfeeding offers a wide range of benefits to both lactating parent and newborn. In fact, more than 75 percent of new parents start out breastfeeding after birth.

Some parents prefer not to breastfeed or don't continue doing so after starting. They may not produce enough milk and some babies have trouble latching. If you are considering breastfeeding, here are some of the most important things to know.

Written byOlivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed byJoanne Perron, MD.November, 2023

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