Content Map Terms

Breastfeeding

Breast milk provides all of the nutrition that your baby needs. Most health care providers recommend that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding can reduce your baby’s risk of certain diseases. These include Type 1 diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and celiac disease. It also provides the nutrition your baby needs during the first six months of their life. Consult your doctor, midwife, public health nurse or lactation consultant if you have questions about breastfeeding.

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is feeding a baby milk from the mother's breasts. Breastfeeding provides your baby with important nutrients and antibodies. It may also protect your baby against certain diseases and infections. Learn more:

Planning Ahead

Planning can help you be successful at breastfeeding. Learn about developing a plan and preparing to breastfeed your baby, in this section.

Breastfeeding Basics

You can begin learning about breastfeeding at any time, before or after your baby has arrived. It is important to have a feeding plan in place for you and your baby. In this section, learn some tips and tricks to ensure you and your baby get the most out of breastfeeding.

Support While Breastfeeding

Partners and families often provide support to new parents during and after a pregnancy. Breastfeeding is no exception. Learn ways that your partner and family can help you as you start to breastfeed.

Supplements and Medicines

Breastfeeding alone can provide all the nutrients your baby will need for the first 6 months- except for Vitamin D. Health Canada recommends all breastfed or partially breastfed healthy, full term babies get a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU every day, from birth until 12 months of age. Babies fed formula alone do not need extra vitamin D. Many medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider if you are taking a medication or considering a supplement while you breastfeed. Learn more:

Mastitis and Plugged Milk Ducts

Breastfeeding is comforting for your baby but can be uncomfortable for you. Mastitis and plugged ducts can be painful. There are ways to prevent or manage both. Learn more in this section:

Flat or Inverted Nipples

If your nipples are flat or inverted, breastfeeding may be a little more challenging. Learn more about breastfeeding with inverted nipples:

Breastfeeding After Surgery

If you have had or are considering breast surgery, you may wish to find out if the surgery can affect your ability to breastfeed. Learn more:

Physical Activity

Physical activity is a healthy activity after giving birth. It doesn't impact the amount or quality of the breast milk you produce Learn more about Physical Activity and Breastfeeding.

Storing and Expressing Milk

Breastfeeding Resources

In this section, you'll find resources dedicated to breastfeeding. These include how-to videos and information about how to access the Breastfeeding Buddy tool:

Last Updated: June 2021