Deciding to breastfeed gives your baby the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding
has many benefits for you and your baby. Breastmilk provides infants with all the
nutrients they need plus many other long-term health benefits. Breastfeeding is
also the first step to healthy eating. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding
for the first six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.
Iron-rich solid foods should be introduced at six months. To breastfeed longer and
exclusively:
- surround yourself with people who support your decision to breastfeed,
- take a breastfeeding class while you are pregnant,
- breastfeed your baby within the first half-hour to an hour after birth and keep
your baby in your room with you,
- learn your babies feeding cues and breastfeed on cue,
- avoid using bottles and limit the use of pacifiers,
- become familiar with the breastfeeding resources in your community and get skilled
help if you need it,
- ask if there is a breastfeeding policy at your workplace,
- look for childcare that supports breastfeeding, and
- look for breastfeeding friendly places. Know that breastfeeding anytime, anywhere
is your right.
Resources
Links
Contact
Child & BabyTalk Line
613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1555
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