Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding

Breastfeeding is the normal way to provide infants with the nutrition they need. Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

By learning about breastfeeding and getting support, most women can breastfeed successfully. However, there are some reasons why women can’t, or choose not to, breastfeed. Every woman needs to weigh the risks and benefits of this decision for herself and her baby.

Please feel free to use and distribute the infant feeding resources below.

Breastfeeding resources for healthcare professionals

Online learning modules for healthcare providers

Breastfeeding fact sheets for patients

Videos

Formula feeding resources for healthcare professionals

It’s important for families to have all the facts in order to make an informed decision regarding how to feed their baby. It’s also important to consider a feeding method that is:

  • Acceptable to the patient
  • Feasible
  • Affordable (it costs about $1,600 a year to feed a baby formula, not including the cost of nipples and other supplies)
  • Sustainable (it can be continued for one year)
  • Safe

Formula feeding fact sheets for patients

Baby-Friendly Initiative

Public Health supports and collaborates with our community partners including physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, and hospitals to support breastfeeding everywhere. See our Baby-Friendly Policy and Procedure.

Join a breastfeeding collaborative in your area

Are you interested in promoting breastfeeding and increasing breastfeeding rates in the community? There are breastfeeding collaboratives in Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph composed of healthcare professionals and interested community members. We welcome you to join the group in your area for quarterly meetings. Contact Wendy Lahey, public health nurse, at wendy.lahey@wdgpublichealth.ca for more information.