What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is also known as nursing. Many healthcare professionals recommend that healthy women should breastfeed and not use any formula, for at least the first six months of their child’s life. Others recommend that women should breastfeed for 12 months or longer. Breast milk has antibodies in it that help protect babies from certain illnesses and infections. Healthcare professionals say breastfeeding also lowers the risk that the mother develops breast and ovarian cancers. However, experts recommend that a mother should not breastfeed under certain conditions, including if she has HIV, active tuberculosis, or is using illicit drugs. Learn more about breastfeeding here or share your story or experience with icyou.