General Information

Breastfeeding is recommended as the normal, safest and best way of feeding infants and young children. Breastfeeding provides nutritional, immunological, social and psychological benefits for the mother and child. Economic and ecological benefits are afforded to the family, health care system and the community. (Joint Breastfeeding policy between CDHA, Public Health Services & IWK)

Capital Health supports breastfeeding, respects the decision each person makes about how to feed their child and understands that Health Canada recommends babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding encouraged after solid foods are introduced up to and beyond two years of age.

Why breastfeeding matters. It:

  • Decreases child’s risk of asthma, diarrhea, lung and ear infections, diabetes and obesity
  • Decreases mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease and bleeding after birth
  • Requires less preparation time and costs less
  • Decreases parents’ missed work time due to sick children
  • Protects the environment (no waste)
  • Creates healthier communities and decreases healthcare costs

Adapted from: Providing support for your co-worker who is breastfeeding her baby. South Shore Health.