Deciding to Breastfeed - Making an Informed Decision

Parents and parents-to-be are responsible for making many decisions on behalf of their new baby. Choices made in these early days can have lasting effects on the health and well-being of both the baby and the family. It is important that parents make informed decisions by learning about the best information that is available, including the benefits and risks of each choice, and then deciding what's right for themselves and the baby. Health professionals including family physicians, midwives, obstetricians and nurses can help provide current, accurate and best practice information to parents when they are making decisions about their baby's care.

Most families decide how they will feed their baby before they become pregnant or early in their pregnancy. In order to make an informed decision about feeding your baby, it is helpful to learn about the following things:

• What child health experts recommend.
• What breast milk is made of.
• The benefits of breastfeeding.
• How to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
• How often and how long to feed your baby.
• How to make enough breast milk for your baby.
• How to fit breastfeeding into your life.
• What breast milk substitutes ("formula") are made of.
• The risks of using breast milk substitutes.

You may also find it helpful to talk with a healthcare professional about:

• Your thoughts, feelings, and questions about feeding your baby.
• Where you can get expert help and support with feeding your baby.

For more information, call (705) 721-7520, or click Your Health Connection and speak with a public health nurse.