Last Reviewed April 2010

Physical Preparation

Preparing to Breastfeed

Key Info

Breastfeeding benefits babies and mothers
Breastfeeding will give your baby the best start in life
Breastfeeding isn’t automatic: it’s a skill women learn to make it successful and enjoyable
Learn all you can about solutions to common breastfeeding challenges

Breastfeeding is the best and natural way to feed your baby and gives your baby the best possible start in life.

Breastfeeding is a skill and may take time to learn. Before becoming pregnant, learn all you can about how to breastfeed. This will help to make breastfeeding successful and enjoyable.

Watch and Learn

Talk to your family, friends and health-care provider about how you would like to feed your baby. For more information contact Region of Peel-Public Health Nurse at 905-799-7700.
Visit Breastfeeding in Peel website for helpful tips and information on learning to breastfeed, breastfeeding positions, and more.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for a baby. It gives babies the best start and is good for moms too.

Benefits for Baby

Breastfeeding:

Helps a baby’s jaw, teeth and brain grow normally
May lessens the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
May protect against obesity later in life
May help to promote better brain development
Provides nourishing food that is always fresh and ready

Breast milk:

Helps protect babies from illnesses and allergies
Is easy to digest
Has key ingredients that improve brain growth, which helps babies learn and build social skills
Changes as the baby’s nutritional needs change
Can be a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids for baby depending on mom’s diet

Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding:

Breast milk is always ready at the right temperature.
Promotes touching and bonding with the baby
Helps the uterus to return to its normal size after birth
Helps to control bleeding after birth
Helps to protect against breast cancer and ovarian cancer
Helps keep bones strong
Helps use up the extra fat gained during pregnancy
Saves money — formula is expensive
Saves time — there is no need to prepare formula and bottles
Does not produce any garbage — there are no formula and bottle packages to throw out

For more information:
Region of Peel — Public Health
905-799-7700 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216
To speak with a Public Health Nurse

BreastfeedingInPeel.ca
Region of Peel — Public Health