Breastfeeding is an important act of love that strengthens and promotes bonding between a mother and her child. 

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mothers and babies. For a mother, breastfeeding supports recovery after childbirth and can reduce the risk of certain health conditions.

For a newborn, it is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to be nourished. Every year, nearly 820,000 children under the age of five could be saved globally through optimal breastfeeding during the first 23 months of life.

This article will cover the benefits of breastfeeding and the potential risks of not breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits for Baby

Skin-to-skin breastfeeding is beneficial to babies because a mother’s milk contains antibodies which enable colonisation of good bacteria from mother to baby. 

It contains the perfect nutrition a baby needs that can be easily digested and absorbed. This can help to:

• Reduce incidences of coughing, flu, and infections
• Enhance a baby’s IQ levels

Benefits for Mother

Meanwhile, mothers also benefit from breastfeeding in several ways, such as:

• Prevention of post-partum depression
• Prevention of uterine bleeding after delivery
• Reduced risk of breast cancer
• Support in losing weight and reverting to their pre-pregnancy weight

Risks of Not Breastfeeding

On the other hand, if babies aren’t breastfed and are fed with formula milk instead, there can be adverse risks for both mother and child.

Risks for Baby

With formula milk, babies may experience:

• Digestive problems
• Dental problems
• Increased risk of obesity
• Diabetes
• Ear infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Slower cognitive development and lower IQ

If you notice your baby experiencing any health issues, consult a paediatrician without delay to ensure timely care and support. 

Risk for Mother

For mothers, not breastfeeding their child may cause:

• Increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
  This is because breastfeeding lowers a woman’s exposure to estrogen and reduces the number of menstrual cycles, which can minimise the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

• Slower return to pre-pregnancy weight
  This happens because breastfeeding helps burn a significant number of calories for milk production, which may support a healthy return to pre-pregnancy weight.

• Unstable Moods
  Unstable moods can also be caused by formula milk feeding because breastfeeding triggers a feel-good sort of calm when mothers feed, due to oxytocin and prolactin. This decreases aggression when new neurochemical pathways are created in the mother’s brain.

First-time mother? Explore our complete maternity guide for all the essentials you’ll need on your journey.

Need Guidance for Breastfeeding? We’re Here to Help!

Breastfeeding is more than the act of just feeding your little one. It is a priceless gift with effects that carry over into the years to come. That’s why we provide specialised care and support to help you feel confident and empowered.

At Island Hospital, our paediatrics department offers comprehensive care for newborns and infants by supporting healthy growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being for your little ones.

We provide personalised breastfeeding counselling and guidance, support with common breastfeeding challenges and preventive care to ensure both mother and baby thrive.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us local and worldwide recognition:

• A finalist for Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme 
• A place on Newsweek’s lists of World’s Best Hospitals 2025

Book an appointment with our paediatrics specialists today and take the first step toward a confident breastfeeding journey.

Take Proactive Action Today – Get a Comprehensive Health Screening

We’re offering our Comprehensive Plus Package (Female) at only RM2,799 – giving you a complete head-to-toe health assessment for peace of mind.

Our package includes vital health screenings, such as Gynaecological Assessment, Radiological Screening, Cardiovascular Assessment, Urine Assessments, and more. 

What’s Included in Your Screening Experience: 

✔ Physical examination

✔ Complete medical report

✔ Consultation by Health Screening Physician/Specialist

✔ Choice of light refreshments

✔ Exclusive Island Hospital woven bag

See Full Package Details