The Nation Benefits from Breastfeeding

The nation benefits overall when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented. 

The United States would also save $13 billion per year; health care costs are lower for fully breastfed infants than for never-breastfed infants. Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.

Breastfeeding also contributes to a more productive workforce because mothers miss less work to care for sick infants. Employer medical costs are also lower
Breastfeeding is also better for the environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to that produced by formula containers and bottle supplies.

Updated December 29, 2017