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Why Breastfeed?
Health Benefits for Baby
Breast milk is the natural food for newborns and provides all the nutrients needed for the first six months of a baby's life as well as important nutrients for the first 2+ years. As babies grow, breast milk adapts to provide important nutrients for different stages of development. As a result, breastfeeding provides a number of important health benefits for babies.
Numerous experts including The Public Health Agency of Canada, the Dieticians of Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the World Health Organization agree that babies need only breast milk for the first 6 months. They also recommend that, once solids are introduced at 6 months of age, breastfeeding should continue for up to 2 years and beyond.​
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Breastfeeding
Provides Immune Protection
The germ fighting properties of breast milk are important to babies because their immune systems are immature and still under development. A breastfeeding mother's immune system develops antibodies and passes them to the baby, helping the baby develop a strong immune system and fight germs that otherwise might make the baby sick.
During the first six months, the longer a baby is fed only breast milk, the greater the immune benefits.
Breast Milk
Power Food for Babies
Breast milk has all the nutrients a baby needs for the first six months of life. Feeding a baby only breast milk during that period makes sure the baby gets those nutrients. ​
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The composition of breast milk changes as the baby grows and is uniquely tailored to the baby's stage of growth & development. Even when solid foods are introduced at six (6) months, babies should continue to breastfeed to 2 years+ to continue to receive the health benefits.
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Once breastfeeding is established, the breast adjusts to the demands of the infant as the baby feeds - babies get exactly as much as they need, when they need it.
Beyond the immediate and numerous health benefits for babies, breastfeeding has a number of benefits for mothers and families.
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Mothers who breastfeed:
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Have more controlled postpartum bleeding.
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Have their uterus return to the pre-pregnancy state faster.
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Have a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, breast and ovarian cancer, and diabetes.
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Burn calories while breastfeeding, which assists them in returning to a healthy body weight postpartum.
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Release hormones, including oxytocin, which assist with bonding - the closeness mothers feel with their child while breastfeeding.
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The benefits of breastfeeding to families, include:
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It is convenient, always the right temperature, and available anytime.
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It is free.
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It reduces health care costs for your family and society.
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It is environmentally friendly, as there is no pollution created by manufacturing, transportation, or waste products.​
Benefits for Mom & Family
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About Formula Feeding
Feeding your baby safely will help you build a close and loving bond with your baby, whether you give breast milk, formula or both. While many experts recommend that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months and that breast milk be used to supplement other foods from six months to two years of age, we know that is not always possible.
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If you use formula to feed your baby, it is important to have the information you need to feel comfortable with your plan and know how it can impact lactation. If you would like to return to or increase breastfeeding, please contact your health care provider or lactation consultant to put a plan in place that works for you.
