Benefits of Breast Milk and Breastfeeding: Latching, Feeding and Milk Storage Guide

Created: 01.08.2024 · Last Updated: 17.08.2026 · Category: Paediatrics · Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Editorial Board.

World Breastfeeding Week is observed from 1–7 August each year to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and appropriate support for mothers, babies and families.

Why Is Breast Milk Important?

Breast milk provides nutrition adapted to the growth and development of infants and contains a range of biologically active and immune-related components.

It contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals as well as antibodies, enzymes and other components that support infant health.

Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of several gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in infancy.

WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first 6 months. A healthy exclusively breastfed infant does not routinely require additional water during this period.

What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both infants and mothers.

Benefits for the Baby

  • Provides age-appropriate nutrition
  • Provides immune-related biological components
  • Is associated with reduced risk of several gastrointestinal and respiratory infections
  • Supports normal growth and development

Benefits for the Mother

Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with several maternal health benefits, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding also stimulates oxytocin release after birth and supports close contact between mother and baby.

When Should Breastfeeding Begin?

When mother and baby are clinically stable, early skin-to-skin contact and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth are recommended.

Caesarean birth does not prevent breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can be supported as soon as the clinical condition of mother and baby permits.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the yellowish, concentrated first milk produced during the first days after birth.

It is rich in protein and immune-related components and is produced in amounts appropriate for a newborn's small stomach capacity.

Colostrum can also help the baby pass meconium, the first stool.

Colostrum is sometimes described as a baby's “first vaccine” because of its immune components. This is a useful metaphor, but colostrum is not literally a vaccine.

How Should a Baby Be Positioned for Breastfeeding?

There is no single position that every mother must use. Both mother and baby should be comfortable and the position should allow effective attachment.

Good positioning generally includes:

  • The baby's head and body are in line.
  • The baby is held close to the mother's body.
  • A newborn's whole body is supported.
  • The baby's nose starts approximately level with the nipple.
  • The baby is allowed to tip the head slightly back and open the mouth widely before attachment.

Cradle, cross-cradle, football and side-lying positions are among the positions that may be used.

What Are the Signs of a Good Latch?

Signs of effective attachment include:

  • The baby's mouth is wide open.
  • The lower lip is turned outward.
  • The baby's chin touches or nearly touches the breast.
  • The baby takes a substantial amount of breast tissue into the mouth rather than sucking only on the nipple.
  • Deep, rhythmic sucking is seen.
  • Swallowing can be seen or heard.
  • Breastfeeding feels comfortable rather than persistently painful.
Persistent nipple pain, cracking, bleeding or repeated difficulty maintaining attachment should be assessed.

What Are a Baby's Hunger Cues?

Crying is usually a late hunger cue.

Earlier cues can include:

  • Turning the head and searching for the breast
  • Opening the mouth
  • Lip-smacking or sucking movements
  • Bringing hands to the mouth
  • Increasing movement or restlessness

Offering the breast before the baby becomes very upset can make attachment easier.

How Often Should a Newborn Breastfeed?

Healthy newborns should generally be breastfed according to feeding cues, during both the day and night, rather than according to a rigid schedule.

During the early weeks, many newborns breastfeed approximately 8–12 times in 24 hours.

There is no required number of minutes for each breastfeed. The baby should be allowed to feed effectively and, where possible, finish the feed naturally.

How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk?

Signs include:

  • Frequent effective breastfeeding
  • Visible or audible swallowing
  • The baby appearing satisfied after feeds
  • Age-appropriate urine and stool output
  • Appropriate weight gain

Wet diapers increase during the first days of life. From around day 5, at least 6 wet diapers per day are one useful sign of adequate intake.

Some weight loss is expected during the first days after birth. Many healthy breastfed babies return to birth weight by approximately 10–14 days.

How Long Should Breastfeeding Continue?

WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first 6 months.

Around 6 months, nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues.

WHO, UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics support continued breastfeeding to 2 years or beyond for as long as mother and child mutually wish to continue.

These recommendations are not a measure of parental success or failure. When breastfeeding is not possible or does not provide sufficient nutrition, a safe feeding plan should be developed with the baby's healthcare team.

What Should a Breastfeeding Mother Consider?

A varied, balanced diet, adequate fluid intake and attention to maternal health are important during breastfeeding.

The nipple and areola do not need to be cleaned with soap, alcohol or antiseptic products before each feed. Normal daily hygiene is sufficient.

Avoiding smoking and other tobacco products is important for both maternal and infant health.

If medication is needed, breastfeeding should not automatically be stopped. Many medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, and individual treatment should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Expressing Breast Milk

Breast milk can be expressed by hand or using a manual or electric pump.

Expressing can help when mother and baby are separated, the baby cannot breastfeed effectively, the baby is premature or hospitalised, or the mother returns to work.

Hands should be washed with soap and water before expressing milk. Pump equipment should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How Should Expressed Breast Milk Be Stored?

Use breast-milk storage bags or clean, food-grade glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

Storage Recommended Time
Room temperature
77°F / 25°C or colder		 Up to 4 hours
Refrigerator
Approximately 4°C		 Up to 4 days
Freezer
Approximately -18°C or colder		 About 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable

Label containers with the date the milk was expressed and use the oldest milk first where practical.

How Should Frozen Breast Milk Be Thawed?

Frozen breast milk can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water or under lukewarm running water.

Milk thawed in the refrigerator should be used within 24 hours after it is completely thawed.

Once milk has been brought to room temperature or warmed, it should generally be used within 2 hours.

Previously frozen breast milk should not be refrozen after it has thawed.

Do not heat breast milk in a microwave. Microwaving can create hot spots that may burn the baby's mouth and may adversely affect some components of the milk.

When Should You Seek Breastfeeding Support?

Consider seeking support if:

  • The baby cannot maintain attachment to the breast
  • Breastfeeding is persistently painful
  • There is significant nipple cracking or bleeding
  • The baby is unusually sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds
  • Urine output appears lower than expected
  • Weight gain is inadequate
  • The mother develops fever with breast redness, swelling or severe pain

Get Breastfeeding Support for You and Your Baby

If you are experiencing difficulties with attachment, milk supply, your baby's weight gain or breast discomfort, mother and baby can be assessed together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a baby receive only breast milk for the first 6 months?
WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first 6 months for healthy infants. Additional water, food or drinks are not routinely required during this period. Medical circumstances should be assessed individually.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first breast milk produced during the first days after birth and is rich in protein and immune-related components. Although sometimes called the baby's “first vaccine”, colostrum is not literally a vaccine.
How often should a newborn breastfeed?
Newborns should generally be fed according to hunger cues during both the day and night rather than on a rigid schedule. During the early weeks, many babies breastfeed approximately 8–12 times in 24 hours.
How can I tell whether my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Effective feeding and swallowing, age-appropriate urine and stool output and appropriate weight gain are important signs. From around day 5, at least 6 wet diapers per day are one useful sign of adequate milk intake.
How long can breastfeeding continue?
Appropriate complementary foods should be introduced at around 6 months while breastfeeding continues. WHO, UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics support continued breastfeeding to 2 years or beyond for as long as mother and child mutually wish.
How long can freshly expressed breast milk stay at room temperature?
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored for up to 4 hours at a room temperature of 25°C / 77°F or colder.
How long can breast milk be stored in the refrigerator?
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in a refrigerator at approximately 4°C for up to 4 days.
How long can breast milk be stored in the freezer?
At approximately -18°C or colder, using frozen breast milk within about 6 months provides the best quality, although storage for up to 12 months is considered acceptable.
Academic Hospital note: Breastfeeding progresses differently for every mother and baby. Attachment, weight gain, urine and stool output and maternal breast health should be considered together. You can book an appointment.

References

  1. Academic Hospital. Benefits of Breast Milk and Breastfeeding
  2. World Health Organization. Breastfeeding
  3. World Health Organization. Exclusive Breastfeeding for Optimal Growth, Development and Health of Infants
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Milk Storage and Preparation
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Newborn Breastfeeding Basics
  6. American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk
  7. UNICEF. Common Breastfeeding Positions