10 Incredible Facts About The Benefits of Breastfeeding

As we give a shout out to all the breastfeeding moms during National Breastfeeding Month, here are ten incredible facts about nursing and pumping that we have to celebrate! 

• Breastfeeding burns between 500 to 600 calories a day. This would be equal to running for 40 minutes at a 12-minute mile pace. 
  
  
• The size of your breasts has nothing to do with how much you make. A woman with small breasts could produce more than a mom with large breasts. 
  
  
• Skin-to-skin while nursing your baby helps boost a hormone called oxytocin. This helps breastfeeding moms feel calm, according to the USDA.
  
  
  This mom is nursing her daughter wearing a breastfeeding shirt with hidden zipper access. 
  
  
• Your breastmilk provides your baby with enzymes and proteins that can help with digestion. Formula, on the other hand, can be difficult for some babies to digest due to differences in protein composition or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Because of this, breastfed babies tend to have less digestive issues, like constipation, diarrhea, or gas.
  
  
• When you breastfeed, your body is able to recover more quickly from your pregnancy and your delivery. That's because the hormones released when you nurse help your uterus get back to its pre-pregnancy size, according to the Dept. of Health and Human Services. Incredible! 
  
  
• If you breastfeed for an entire year that's about 1,800 hours. Think about this: a full-time job with 3 weeks vacation is 1,960 hours. WOW.
  
  
• Your breastmilk will change as your baby grows. According to the CDC, as your little one grows up, your milk will change based on their nutritional needs. How incredible is that! 
  
  
• When you breastfeed, your brain releases prolactin and oxytocin, which help you bond with your baby. These hormones also ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
  
  
• This next stat is amazing! Your body uses 25% of its energy producing breastmilk.  Your brain uses 20%, according to Western Missouri Medical Center. 
  
  
• Breastfeeding lowers your child's risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and stomach problems according to the Dept. of Health and Human Services. 

Bonus fact: Did you know that roughly 44% of infants between the age of 0–6 months are exclusively breastfed, according to the WHO.

World Breastfeeding Week

Each year, between August 1 and August 7, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organizes World Breastfeeding Week. The week is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and sparking conversation and change around breastfeeding.

National Breastfeeding Month

August also marks National Breastfeeding Month. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) made it official in August of 2011 with the goal of creating action and conversation about policy and practice changes that need to take place to support mothers and their children and families. In 2025, the theme is Forward Together. The USBC says, "this year’s theme centers unity, solidarity, and hope, and celebrates the strength and determination of the organizations and advocates committed to advancing policy, systems, and environmental change in the First Food field and improving access to human milk."

Hopefully you can find ways to connect with moms who are going through the same daily challenges that you are during your breastfeeding journey. We're stronger together and as a mom community here to support one another.