Breastfeeding your baby

Photo: René Dery

Health professionals the world over recommend that babies be fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months of life. The Canadian Paediatric Society, Dieticians of Canada, and Health Canada all echo this recommendation. Once babies have started eating solid foods, it is recommended that they continue breastfeeding until the age of two years or more.

Human milk is unique and perfectly adapted to children’s needs. It is the only milk that meets all of their nutritional and immunity requirements. Breastfeeding is more than a matter of ensuring baby is well nourished. It offers mother and child a moment of intimacy that provides baby with a feeling of warmth and security.

If you’re sick, breastfeeding is still recommended. However, if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion, you should take certain precautions. While your symptoms last, wear a medical mask, if possible, or a face covering while breastfeeding. Always wash your hands before feeding your child.

• Breastfeeding: A learned skill
• Getting help
• Your breasts during nursing
• Breastfeeding basics
• How often to nurse—and how long?
• Breastfeeding phases
• Is breastfeeding still possible?
• Expressing milk
• Bottle-feeding your breastfed baby
• Breastfeeding challenges
• Common difficulties
• Breastfeeding accessories
• When breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned
• Weaning