Breastfeeding

Get the facts on... Breastfeeding

Health Canada recommends that babies receive only breast milk for the first 6 months and encourages breastfeeding along with solid foods for 2 years or more.
Provides the best food for your baby with the nutrients changing for each stage of growth and development.
Provides antibodies, antivirals, growth factors and antibacterial properties to protect and help your baby grow.
Breast milk works like a medicine to protect premature babies.
Protects against infections, diarrhea and dehydration.
Lowers the chance that your baby will be hospitalized for chest infections.
Lowers the risk of ear infections.
Lowers the risk of diabetes in children.
Lowers the risk of obesity for teens and adults.
Lowers the risk of allergies, especially if there is a family history.
Decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Develops good face and jaw muscles to help with speech and position of teeth.
Mothers who breastfeed are at lower risk of developing breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Produces hormones which reduce a mother’s response to stress.
Helps mom and baby keep a close bond even when mom returns to work or school.
Less time missed from work or school as baby is often healthier.
Breastfeeding saves you and your family money.
Breast milk is ready anytime, anywhere.
Is environmentally friendly - no bottles, cans, washing or waste.

Has NO antibodies, antivirals, growth factors or antibacterial properties to protect and help your baby grow.
Does not protect against infections and diarrhea.
Does not change to meet your baby’s needs as he/she grows and develops.
Can decrease mother’s milk supply.
Bottles (glass or plastic, free of (BPA) Bisphenol A) can cost about $60 to $100 to get started.
Formula can cost about $100-$200 per month.
Using formula and bottles increases your baby’s risk of exposure to contaminants and chemicals.
Exposes your baby to possible mistakes in the processing of formula.
You need to clean equipment, prepare and store formula carefully.
Powdered infant formula may expose babies to harmful bacteria.
Powdered infant formula is not recommended for infants who are premature, low birth weight or ill.