Breastfeeding your Child

Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby.  It is good for mothers, babies and families.

• Babies benefit because it provides the best nutrition for growth. It protects against diarrhea, ear and other infections.
  
  
• Mothers benefit because it helps them to return to a healthy weight and reduces the risk of illnesses such as breast cancer.
  

It takes time and practice to get breastfeeding established. Breastfeeding can become easy as you and your baby become more practiced.

Health Canada recommends that babies be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months to promote healthy growth and development. At about 6 months, babies need the addition of easy to eat, nutritious food while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or more.