This information can help you make an informed decision and be on your way to give your baby a healthy start.

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start and is good for you as well. Breastfeeding is recommended as the only type of food for your baby for the first six months of life.  You can continue to breastfeed your baby for two years or longer.  Breastfeeding is more than just feeding your baby. It provides closeness and warmth which helps to create a special bond between you and your baby.  This nurturing helps your baby grow and develop.

Breast milk- nature’s superfood

Breast milk provides almost everything your baby needs to grow healthy and strong.

Breast milk: 

• is easiest for your baby to digest
•  it is always available and ready to go – no preparation is required
• has all the nutrients, calories and fluids your baby needs to grow and develop
• changes over time to meet the needs of your growing baby
• helps protect your baby from lung, ear and stomach infections
• helps prevent allergies, diabetes, eczema, some cancers and obesity
• can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• the only extra thing you need to give baby in the first six months is vitamin D daily.

Here is more information on breastfeeding.

Infant formula

• Does not change to meet your baby’s growing needs
• Does not protect your baby from infections and diarrhea
• Powdered formula is not a sterile product

Some challenges with infant formula include:

• Extra time is needed to sterilize equipment
• You need to buy all the equipment
• There is a significant cost to feeding your baby formula

If you have made an informed decision to give your baby infant formula, see our page about infant formula.