Nursing for 6 months or longer is good for parent and baby.
Did you know breastfeeding can lower your risk for breast cancer? Your risk for breast cancer is lower if you breastfeed for one year or more. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests nursing for at least 6 months.
Breastfeeding is good for your health because:
- Making milk stops the breast cells from growing out of control.
- Most moms have less menstrual cycles (your period) when they are breastfeeding. This can mean lower estrogen levels.
- Breastfeeding may burn up to 500 calories per day and help you lose weight.
Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby because:
- It helps you bond with your baby.
- It helps stop many illnesses.
- It gives your baby all the nutrients they need for the first 6 months of life.
- It helps your body heal from pregnancy and childbirth.
- It can lower your risk of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other cancers.
For more facts, visit the CDC. You can also talk with your primary care provider* (PCP) if you have any questions.
*Your primary care provider is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.
Ways to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk
Even if you decide not to breastfeed, there are things you can do to lower your breast cancer risk, such as:
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Quit smoking or vaping.
Visit SFHP Health & Wellness to get tips on how to eat healthy, stay active, and quit smoking.
Maternity and Newborn Care with SFHP
San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) is here to support you with maternal care, such as:
- Breastfeeding education and aids.
- Birth and after birth care.
- Breast pumps and supplies.
- Support from doulas (birth workers).
- Mental health care, including for postpartum depression.
- Non-emergency transportation to get to health visits.
Other Help for Moms
- You can get help with food from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
- You can get up to $50 gift cards for going to your prenatal, postpartum, and well-child visits. Learn more at Member Incentives.
- Please check your SFHP handbook to review your Benefits and Covered Services.
If you have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at
You can also call the SFHP Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
