Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Breast milk protects babies against infections, and breastfeeding lowers some long term health risks for mothers too. The World Health Organization recommends starting within the first hour after birth, giving only breast milk for the first six months, and then continuing to breastfeed alongside other foods up to two years or beyond. That is the ideal. Any amount of breast milk still helps, so a feed or two a day counts.
What breastfeeding does for your baby
According to the NHS page on the benefits of breastfeeding, breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases, and breastfeeding may reduce the risk of:
- infections, with fewer trips to hospital
- diarrhoea and vomiting
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- obesity later on
The NHS adds that the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts. The WHO overview of breastfeeding also notes that breastfed children do better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight and are less prone to diabetes later in life. These are differences seen across large groups of children, not promises for any one child, and a formula fed baby who is loved and well fed is doing fine.
Does a breastfed baby need water in hot weather?
No. WHO advises only breast milk for the first six months, with no water or other foods. This often surprises families in hot Indian summers, when elders may suggest a little water or gripe water. Breast milk on demand covers your baby's need for fluids, so offer feeds more often on hot days rather than adding anything else.
What breastfeeding does for you
The NHS lists a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes for women who breastfeed, and says the benefits grow the more you breastfeed. Many mothers also find feeding a quiet time to be close to their baby, although in the first weeks it can feel like hard work rather than a bonding moment. Both are normal.
Do you need a special diet?
No. The NHS advice on diet while breastfeeding says you do not need a special diet, just a healthy, varied one: plenty of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, protein, dairy and fluids. A few specific points from that page:
- Keep caffeine to under 200 mg a day, roughly two mugs of coffee, and cut back further while your baby is under six months because it can make babies restless. Tea and cola contain caffeine as well.
- You can eat peanuts and peanut butter unless you are allergic to them yourself.
- Some mothers need a vitamin D supplement. Ask your doctor whether you do.
So the long lists of foods to avoid that relatives sometimes hand out are not needed. Eat regular meals, drink when you are thirsty, and do not skip food because you are busy with the baby.
Making it more comfortable
Babies feed often in the early weeks, so comfort matters. A cushion that raises your baby to breast height saves your back and shoulders; a nursing pillow does this, as do folded bed pillows. A soft, well fitting bra that opens easily, such as one from our feeding bras collection, is easier than a tight everyday bra while your breasts change size through the day.
If feeding hurts, ask for help with positioning and attachment. A lactation consultant, your hospital's nursing staff or your paediatrician can watch a feed and suggest changes. It is worth asking early rather than putting up with pain.
When to see a doctor
Mastitis, an inflamed breast, can happen while you are breastfeeding. The NHS guide to mastitis describes the signs as a swollen area on one breast that feels hot and painful, a hard or wedge shaped lump, burning pain, and flu like symptoms such as aches, a high temperature, shivering and tiredness. The NHS advises that you keep breastfeeding, rest, use a cold compress and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed. See your doctor if you are not improving 12 to 24 hours after starting this home care, or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Speak to your paediatrician if you are worried that your baby is not feeding well or not gaining weight, and to your own doctor if feeding is painful or distressing for you. Asking is never a fuss.
This article updates an earlier post on breastfeeding by Geetanjali Rajaur, a mother and mom blogger.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
