3 Cheers for the Early Years - For Parents - Breastfeeding

3 Cheers for the Early Years

Health Promotion

Breastfeeding

Information for Parents |  Health Promotion

The role of Breastfeeding in healthy child development:

Breast milk is the healthiest first food for babies. It is:

  • A complete food made by the mother especially for her baby.
  • Easy to digest.
  • Adjustable – supply adjusts with the demands of growth.
  • Protective – from illness, infections and allergies. Antibodies are passed from mom to baby as long as breastfeeding continues. Breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight as adults.
  • Convenient and safe – it is available in the right amount at the right temperature whenever the baby is hungry.
  • Free!! It is made from the food that mother's eat.

Breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers too – women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and Calgary Health Region all recommend that babies receive only breast milk for the first 6 months of age, then – with the addition of solids – up to 2 years and beyond.

Breastfeeding Websites:
 

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