What are the proven benefits of breastfeeding?

What the evidence says

Breast milk is made for babies and changes to match what they need as they grow. Health groups in Canada, including the Canadian Paediatric Society and Health Canada, say breast milk is the best food for most babies and recommend feeding only breast milk for the first six months, then continuing alongside other foods for up to two years or longer.

The clearest proven benefit is fewer infections. Breast milk carries antibodies and immune helpers from mom, so breastfed babies get fewer ear infections, colds, and stomach bugs like diarrhea. This effect shows up again and again in research and is one of the most solid findings.

Other benefits are likely but a little less certain. Some studies link breastfeeding to less asthma and allergy, lower obesity risk later, and slightly better brain development and IQ scores. These come mostly from studies that follow groups of children over time rather than strict experiments, so they show a strong link but can't prove breastfeeding alone causes every difference.

Moms benefit too. Research ties breastfeeding to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and to lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer, especially with longer breastfeeding. Evidence on things like postpartum depression or bone health is mixed or unclear.

Breastfeeding isn't the only way to feed a baby well, and it's not always possible or comfortable for every family. If breastfeeding isn't working out, formula-fed babies still grow up healthy, and parents should talk to their doctor about what's best for their situation.