3 Cheers for the Early Years - For Professionals - Breastfeeding

3 Cheers for the Early Years

Health Promotion

Breastfeeding

Information for Professionals |  Health Promotion |  Initiatives |  Evaluation

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 only receive breast milk for the first 6 months of age, then – with the addition of solids – up to 2 years and beyond.

How can you support Breastfeeding in your work?

If you work with children:
  • Provide books and resources that support breastfeeding.
  • Make your space baby friendly – provide space, comfort and encouragement for mothers who are breastfeeding in order for them to feed their children if necessary when they drop off or pick up.
  • Encourage breastfeeding moms to drop in to breastfeed throughout the day if that is what they need.
If you work with parents:
  • Provide support and encouragement for moms to breastfeed on your site.
  • Know your community resources – if a mother is needing help, where can she go?

How can 3 Cheers and Calgary Health Region support you?

Resources:
Programs for Families:
Professional Services and Community Action:
  • Breastfeeding Support Consultant: aligns breastfeeding policies and standards throughout the Calgary Health Region using education, policy development, mentoring.
  • Community Breastfeeding Support Service: Lactation Consultants offer breastfeeding clinics in the community for breast feeding support of complex issues. Contact Calgary Health Link for referral process.
  • Social Marketing Campaign
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