Fast Facts

• The World Health Organization and Health Canada recommend that babies receive only breastmilk for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue for up to two years or more with the introduction of nutrient rich complementary foods from the age of six months.
• Breastmilk contains special fatty acids not found in formula that help your baby’s brain to develop and boost brain power.
• Breastfeeding may reduce your child’s chance of being overweight or obese.
• The fat in breastmilk contains high levels of cholesterol and this may protect your child from high cholesterol levels later in life.
• Research suggests that breastfeeding provides some protection for the mother against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weak bones later in life.
• Breastfeeding is easy on the budget and saves your family lots of money.
• Breastmilk contains important antibodies that help prevent diseases and infections e.g., middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea and vomiting and juvenile diabetes.
• Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of your baby developing allergies (if there is a family history of allergies).
• Breastfeeding offers some protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or crib death.

Did you know?

• 63% of women start breastfeeding in Newfoundland and Labrador. Only 10% of women exclusively breastfeed for six months.
• Across Canada, almost 90% of women start breastfeeding.