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When having a baby, there are many decisions you will make along the way. How you choose to feed your baby is one of them.

On this page, you will find some reasons why breastfeeding may be the choice you and your family make.

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Breastmilk has more of what babies need!

Breastmilk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that help your baby grow healthy and strong. Breastmilk even changes to meet your baby's needs as they get older.


Health benefits

Babies who breastfeed have:

  • Fewer ear infections
  • Fewer breathing problems
  • Less chance of having asthma
  • Less diarrhea and constipation
  • Less chance of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Less chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Parents who breastfeed:

  • Recover more quickly from childbirth
  • Are less likely to have high blood pressure, certain breast and ovarian cancers, and type 2 diabetes
  • May get to a strong, healthy body more quickly after childbirth

For more information:

WIC Breastfeeding Support | UnitedStates Department of Agriculture

Formula compared to breastmilk

Handout: Formula Compared to Breastmilk

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)



< Nutrition and Health / Breastfeeding / Why choose breastfeeding?



Page Last Updated: July 31, 2023

© 2024 California Department of Public Health, Women, Infants and Children Program

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