3. SUPPORT INFANT FEEDING.

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Breastfeeding is the unequalled way to feed a baby, and continues to provide benefits to older babies, toddlers and mothers. The World Health Organization, Health Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society and the Dietitians of Canada recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for up to two years of age or for as long as mother and baby desire. If a baby is not breastfed or not given pasteurized donor human milk, parents should provide commercial infant formula. Some parents may also decide to feed their baby a combination of humanmilk and formula. Whole cow’s milk can be introduced at 9-12 months of age.

GOOD PRACTICES: 

  • Advise parents that your site is breastfeeding friendly.
  • Find out about parent preferences for infant feeding and support them to meet their infant feeding goals,
  • Provide a comfortable place on site for a mother to feed her baby, use a breast pump, and have access to running water.
  • Provide a fridge to store labeled and dated expressed human milk and infant formula.
  • Know where to refer parents for additional breastfeeding resources..