12/21/2024

Choosing How To Feed Your Baby

As a parent, how you feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make. You will be making a choice that:

  • Promotes the health and well-being of your baby and your family.
  • Best fits your life circumstances.
  • You feel comfortable with.

To help you decide how to feed your baby, you can do the following:

  • Become informed: The information below will help you make an informed decision that is right for you and your baby.
  • Seek support: Your healthcare provider can help you explore your feeding goals, work through your thoughts and feelings, and answer any questions.
  • Tune into your feelings: You should feel good about your choice. Everyone’s situation and decisions are unique.

Breastfeeding

Health Canada recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months and continuing breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. The health benefits for both parents and babies increase with the length of time breastfeeding.

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  • Breastmilk has the right mix of nutrients in the right amounts at every feeding to meet your baby’s needs as they grow.
  • Helps your baby develop a strong immune system and helps to protect them from:
    • Ear, chest, and stomach infections.
    • Some childhood cancers.
    • Diabetes.
    • Cough and colds.
    • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Helps your baby’s brain develop.
  • Breastfeeding your baby during medical procedures like blood tests and vaccinations has been shown to reduce the pain babies feel during these activities.
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  • Breastfeeding helps you and your baby to bond.
  • Controls bleeding after birth.
  • Can lower your risk for breast cancer (the longer you breastfeed, the lower the risk).
  • May reduce your chance of getting diabetes and ovarian cancer.
  • Breastfeeding is convenient:
    • It is always at the right temperature for your baby.
    • It is available anytime, whether you are at home or out.
  • Breastfeeding is free (it can save your family money and lower health care costs).
  • It is environmentally friendly.

Watch the videos at Baby-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador to learn more about breastfeeding.

Expressed Breast Milk

If breastfeeding directly isn’t possible but you still want to give your baby breast milk, you can provide them with expressed milk. Expressing milk means removing it from your breasts either by hand or by using a breast pump. You can store this milk and feed it to your baby later.

You may need or choose to feed your baby expressed breast milk if:

  • You need to be away from your baby for periods of time, such when going back to work.
  • Your breasts feel uncomfortably full.
  • Your baby is not latching or sucking well.
  • Your partner or another caregiver is helping feed the baby.
Storing Expressed Breast Milk (click to expand) »
  • Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC) recommends storing your breast milk in storage bags or clean, food-grade containers.
  • You can store freshly expressed milk:
    • At room temperature for up to four hours.
    • In the refrigerator for up to four days.
    • In the freezer for about six months (best to store in small amounts to avoid wastage).
  • Label the breast milk with the date you expressed it to help keep track of its freshness.

If you have questions about breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider. Support is available to help you through any challenges during your breastfeeding journey. Some days may be more difficult than others, but support can make a big difference. Click here to learn more about the support available to you.

Formula Feeding

Families may feed their baby formula for many different medical or personal reasons. Some babies are fed only formula, while others are fed formula and breastmilk. Commercial infant formula may be a safe alternative for families who cannot breastfeed or who have made an informed decision not to. It’s important to consider the risks of formula feeding while deciding on your feeding options.

For Baby (click to expand) »
  • Infant formula does not have natural antibodies to protect your baby from illness and infections.
  • Formula-fed babies are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), crib death, childhood cancer and diabetes.
  • Your baby can become sick if:
    • Infant formula is contaminated with bacteria.
    • Water to mix formula is not sterile.
    • The equipment used to prepare and feed formula is dirty or contaminated.
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  • Feeding infant formula may decrease your breast milk supply if you are breastfeeding. Once your breast milk supply has decreased, it can be difficult to return to breastfeeding after using formula.
  • Parents do not benefit from the same protection that comes with breastfeeding:
    • Reduced postpartum bleeding.
    • Decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and diabetes.
    • Decreased risk of postpartum mood disorders.
  • There is a cost for infant formula, bottles, and nipples.
  • Cleaning and sterilizing bottles, nipples, and utensils takes time.
  • Infant formula may not always be available in all locations.

Visit Infant Formula: What You Need to Know to learn more about choosing, preparing, storing and feeding infant formula.

Mixed Feeding

Mixed feeding means giving your baby both breast milk and formula. Some parents choose this method for many reasons. Every family is different, so you can find the best balance for you and your baby. Keep in mind that mixed feeding can have some potential risks, including those related to formula feeding. Additionally:

  • Some babies may find it hard to switch between breast and bottle because each requires a slightly different way of sucking.
  • Preparing both breast milk and formula can be time-consuming and require extra planning, especially if you’re transitioning between feeds.

Services related to this information:

http://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/healthy-eating/feeding-baby/feeding-your-baby/
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Last updated: 2024-12-17