Benefits of breastfeeding
First published 30 Jul 2026Last Updated 30 Jul 2026Next review Jul 2027
Peer reviewed by:Key takeaways
- Breast milk meets all of a baby’s nutritional needs for around the first six months of life.
- The NHMRC recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around six months, then continuing to 12 months and beyond alongside solid foods.
- With appropriate, timely support, most mothers can breastfeed successfully and overcome early challenges.
Breastfeeding provides the best start to life nutritionally and brings important benefits to a mother and her baby. There are very few contraindications for breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. Whilst some mothers struggle with initiating and establishing breastfeeding, such challenges can usually be overcome with support from lactation nurses, the Australian Breastfeeding Association, healthcare professionals, family, and community organisations. In reality, many women who experience breastfeeding challenges turn to infant formula, which can negatively affect breast milk supply and make it very difficult to resume breastfeeding.(1-4)
With access to appropriate and timely support, most mothers can successfully breastfeed. Healthcare professionals have an obligation to encourage, support and promote breastfeeding. They can provide invaluable help to mothers and their families by offering evidence-based advice, empathetic care, and suggesting practical skills.
Breast milk meets all of a baby’s nutritional needs for around the first six months of life. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that infants are breastfed exclusively for around the first six months of life for optimal health, growth and development. It also notes that any amount of breast milk is beneficial to a mother and her baby. The NHMRC recommends that breastfeeding continues after six months of age alongside solid foods. It advises that breastfeeding should continue until 12 months and beyond, for as long as the mother and baby desire.(2)
Benefits for lactating mothers
Breastfeeding has various benefits for lactating mothers, including the convenience of having a readily accessible feed that requires no preparation or storage and is always available. Breast milk delivered from the breast is always the right temperature and is safe to consume anywhere, anytime, without the need to sterilise bottles. The skin-to-skin contact also encourages a close mother-infant bond.
Breastfeeding encourages the uterus to contract back to normal size and uses energy from fat stores laid down during pregnancy. Many breastfeeding women return to their pre-pregnancy weight without deliberately trying. Breastfeeding has also been associated with reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It can delay the return of a woman’s menstrual cycle, improve maternal iron status, and act as a natural contraceptive for some women in the first few months after birth. However, mothers should seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner when deciding on a contraceptive method. For more information on breastfeeding, visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) website.(1-4)
Benefits for infants
Breastfeeding gives infants the best start to their first year of life when they experience rapid growth and development. Some of the benefits include improving visual, psychomotor and cognitive development. Breast milk also contains components that help babies settle, protect them against infection, and support development of the innate immune system. Breastfed infants are less likely to develop a range of health conditions including some gastrointestinal infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergies. Breastfeeding offers ideal nutrition with clear advantages over formula feeding for many women and infants.(1-4)
FAQ's
Six months is generally accepted as the minimum amount of time to breastfeed for.
It’s important to note, however, that the duration can vary depending on various factors, including the mum and bub’s preferences, health considerations, and cultural norms.
In Australia, The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that infants are breastfed exclusively for around the first six months of life to achieve optimal health, growth and development, but adds that any amount of breastmilk is beneficial to a mother and her baby.
The NHMRC also says that when solid foods are introduced from around six months of age, breastfeeding should continue until 12 months and beyond and for as long as the mother and baby pair desire.
Breastmilk changes to adapt to the needs of a baby at every stage:
First few days:
- Breastmilk provides colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk, which helps establish the baby's immune system and promotes healthy digestion.
- Immediately enhances bonding between mother and baby through skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding cues.
- Boosts hormones that support mum’s recovery from labour and birth complications.
First few weeks:
- The baby’s immune system and weight gain needs more support, and breastmilk provides antibodies and essential nutrients for protection against infections and illnesses.
- Breastfeeding continues to assist the mum’s postpartum recovery by promoting uterine contractions and reducing bleeding.
- This stage establishes breastmilk supply and eases breast engorgement pain.
Three months:
- Breastmilk continues to strengthen the baby's immune system with a wide range of antibodies, probiotics and immune-boosting factors.
- A baby’s internal organs are growing, and they learn how to control their breathing. Breastfeeding can prevent asthma and allergies, and protect against respiratory infections.
- Breastfeeding at three months could prevent symptoms of depression in mum.
Six months:
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- As breastmilk continues to supply optimal nutrition for brain development, breastfeeding also supports the development of fine motor skills and jaw muscles because it requires different mouth and tongue movements than bottle feeding.
- Breastfeeding can continue as solids are introduced.
Nine months:
- During this time, breastmilk is a great source of nutrition to support growing bones, muscles and organs.
- Breastmilk becomes rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) which enhance cognitive development and promote brain growth.
- At this age, breastfeeding especially helps infants develop self-soothing and emotional regulation skills.
One year:
- Breastfeeding continues to offer immune support, reducing the risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
- Breastmilk provides tailored nutrition with changing composition to meet the evolving needs of the growing baby.
- There may be a reduced risk of mum developing health conditions like ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Beyond 12 months:
- The benefits of breastfeeding after 12 months include ongoing immune protection. It continues to lower the risk of allergies, asthma and certain childhood cancers.
- Breastfeeding an infant can reduce their physical pain, comfort their emotions, and further increase bonding between mum and bub.
For support at each month along the way, reach out to our a2™ Careline, or get in touch with the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
For more information and advice on breastfeeding:
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) website.
Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Early Childhood
The Australian Department of Health
Find out more at: Infant Feeding Guidelines.
Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council (2012).
Feeding support for healthcare professionals
Our team of product experts and Accredited Practising Dietitians provide evidence-based feeding support for healthcare professionals, parents and carers. Contact the a2™ Careline on 1800 22 46 32 for assistance.
Breastfeeding Reminder
Breast milk is best for babies. The a2 Milk Company® supports exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for as long as mother and child desire. Responsive cue based feeding applies to breast and formula fed infants alike.
References
- Australian Breastfeeding Association; 2026. Accessed 16 Jan 2026.
- Infant Feeding Guidelines: Information for health workers. National Health and Medical Research Council; 2012.
- Breastfeeding. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; 2024. Accessed 16 Jan 2026.
- Breastfeeding your baby. Healthdirect Australia; 2025. Accessed 16 Jan 2026.
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