Benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mum, and what the evidence does and doesn't show

The main benefits of breastfeeding are protection for your baby against infections such as tummy, chest and urinary infections, and lower risks for you of breast and ovarian cancer. HealthHub lists more: breast milk is easy to digest, it carries antibodies, and breastfeeding is linked with a lower risk of cot death, obesity and diabetes later in life. KKH advises breastfeeding only for the first six months, then alongside other foods to two years or beyond, and HealthHub says to breastfeed for as long as you're comfortable. Any amount helps; the NHS says the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit. Formula is a healthy choice too when breastfeeding isn't possible or isn't working, and no parent should feel judged for how they feed their baby.

Benefits for your baby

KKH also notes that formula-fed babies tend to be fatter than breastfed babies, but not necessarily healthier, which is one reason weight alone isn't a measure of how well a baby is fed.

Benefits for you

HealthHub lists these for mothers:

• Your womb contracts faster after birth, which reduces bleeding.
• Your periods return later. Exclusive breastfeeding works as a natural contraceptive, but HealthHub stresses it's an imperfect one.
• You burn extra calories while breastfeeding.
• Your risk of breast, ovarian and womb cancer and of heart disease is lower.
• Your risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) is lower.

A KKH study that followed 379 first-time mothers for a year found that those who breastfed exclusively kept the least pregnancy weight: about 910 grammes at six months, compared with 3,280 grammes for mothers who mixed breast and formula, and 4,150 grammes for those who formula-fed. KKH's researchers noted that holding on to pregnancy weight can add to stress, anxiety and low mood after birth.

Your mental health

This is where the evidence needs care. Breastfeeding brings closeness and, for many mothers, a sense of calm. Cleveland Clinic says breastfeeding may lower the risk of postpartum depression, but adds the condition that matters: if breastfeeding is going well and you feel well supported. But when feeds are painful, milk supply is a worry or you feel pressured, it can add stress instead. KKH says breastfeeding shouldn't hurt, and that if it does, something is wrong and you should get help soon. Your mood matters as much as the milk; our guide to postnatal depression and where to get help lists services in Singapore.

Benefits for your family

HealthHub points out that breastfeeding is free and convenient, with nothing to wash or warm at 3am. Because breastfed babies fall sick less easily, HealthHub says you're likely to spend less on doctor visits and miss less work. The money saved is real: our formula cost calculator shows what formula costs a month at your baby's age.

What the evidence doesn't show

Some claims go further than the research.

• Intelligence: the WHO says children who were breastfed do better on intelligence tests, and HealthHub mentions higher IQ scores. These are links found in studies of large groups, not proof that breastfeeding makes a particular child smarter. Cleveland Clinic says no study has confirmed that breastfed babies are smarter.
• Adult income: the WHO says breastfeeding is associated with higher income in adult life. Associated means the two go together. Families who breastfeed may differ in other ways too.
• All or nothing: the benefits aren't lost if you mix breast milk and formula, or stop earlier than planned. The NHS says any amount of breast milk has a positive effect.

How long to breastfeed in Singapore

You can keep breastfeeding if you become pregnant again, HealthHub says. When to start solids is a small difference between Singapore's guidelines and the WHO's; our guide to starting solids covers the signs your baby is ready.

If breastfeeding isn't working, or isn't for you

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, and KKH says mothers need counselling and support to get it going. Most early problems can be helped, like a painful latch, low supply or blocked ducts. So ask early. KKH runs a lactation service and SGH a weekday lactation clinic; our breastfeeding support guide lists where to get help, and our milk supply guide covers what raises supply.

Some mothers can't breastfeed, or decide not to, for medical, work or personal reasons. That's a valid choice. SGH provides ready-to-feed formula when a mother is medically unable to feed, and its infant feeding guide covers formula feeding as well as breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic says plainly that formula is also healthy and supports your baby's growth. Combination feeding, with some breast milk and some formula, still gives your baby the benefits of the breast milk they get. If you go back to work, our guide to pumping and storing breast milk makes it easier to keep going.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main benefits of breastfeeding?

For your baby: antibodies against infection, easier digestion, and a lower risk of cot death, obesity and diabetes later. For you: less bleeding after birth, a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and, in a KKH study, less pregnancy weight kept at six months.

How long should I breastfeed?

KKH advises breastfeeding only for the first six months, then alongside other foods to two years or beyond. HealthHub says to breastfeed for as long as you're comfortable, ideally at least six months.

Is any breastfeeding better than none?

Yes. The NHS says any amount of breast milk has a positive effect, and the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit. Mixing breast milk and formula still passes on the benefits of the breast milk.

Does breastfeeding make babies smarter?

Studies link breastfeeding with better scores on intelligence tests, but that doesn't prove it makes an individual child smarter. Cleveland Clinic says no study has confirmed it.

Does breastfeeding help with postnatal depression?

It may, when breastfeeding is going well and you feel supported, Cleveland Clinic says. When it's painful or stressful, it can add pressure instead. Get help early, and look after your mood first.

Is it okay to formula feed?

Yes. Formula is a healthy way to feed your baby when breastfeeding isn't possible or isn't right for you. SGH provides formula for mothers who are medically unable to breastfeed.