Feeding Your Baby - Making a Decision

Breastfeeding is important for your baby because it:

• Has nutrients that help your baby grow

• Provides protection from harmful germs that may cause ear infections, diarrhea, colds, and pneumonia

• Strengthens your bond with your baby

• Decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS

• Helps with jaw and tooth development

• Helps to develop good eating habits

Breastfeeding is important for you because it:

• Helps to control your bleeding after giving birth

• Helps to protect you from breast, uterine and ovarian cancer

• Helps to protect you from chronic diseases like diabetes

• Is convenient and always ready

• Alternatives to breastfeeding your baby include: 
  • Supplementing with expressed breastmilk
  • Using formula - Learn more about supplementing by visiting Using Expressed Breastmilk or Formula.
• There may be times when it is necessary to give your baby formula. These times include when:
  • Your baby has a medical condition and needs a special formula
  • You have a medical condition that prevents you from providing breast milk to your baby
  • You have been separated from your baby and you are unable to express enough milk for your baby
  • You have chosen to feed infant formula after making an informed decision 
• To learn more about how to choose a formula, and how to safely prepare and store formula please visit Feeding Your Baby and Children: Formula Feeding.

• No matter how you choose to feed your baby, Public Health can help connect you with the right supports for your questions and concerns
• Lactation Consultants can provide breastfeeding support for:
  • Sore nipples or breasts
  • Milk supply concerns
  • Baby not latching properly
  • Problems pumping breast milk
  • Baby’s weight gain
  • Weaning or stopping breastfeeding
  • Introducing solid food to your baby
  • Other breastfeeding concerns
• You can call Health Connections Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30 at 905-546-3550 for support
• Learn more about community supports for breastfeeding on Breastfeeding Supports

• To learn more about how to breastfeed, check out our Breastfeeding Information page 
• Public Health offers services where that can give you more information on breastfeeding through our:
  • Online Prenatal Program – free for Hamilton residents
  • Virtual Breastfeeding Class – offered twice each month
  • Prenatal Supports webpage with more information and how to register for these supports 
• If you have more questions about what feeding choice are right for your family, you can have a conversation with your health care provider or call Health Connections at 905-546-3550 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to speak with a Public Health Nurse

• To learn more about how to breastfeed, what to expect, and what to do if breastfeeding is not going well, please visit our Breastfeeding Information page.
• To learn more about how to choose a formula, and how to safely prepare and store formula please visit Feeding Your Baby and Children: Formula Feeding.