Breast feeding

Breast feeding is the normal and healthiest way to feed babies.  Breast feeding is natural but it takes time for mothers and babies to learn the skill. 

It may take even 6 weeks or more to get breast feeding established.  Support is available to get you off to a good start and to help you continue to breast feed into the second year and beyond. 

Breast milk provides the best nutrition for healthy growth and development for the first 6 months of life. It protects against diarrhea, ear infections and other infections. 

Mothers benefit from breast feeding because it helps them return to a healthy weight and it may reduce the risk of certain illnesses such as breast cancer.  

How can you help breast feeding mothers in your community?

• Support all breast feeding mothers in your community to breast feed as necessary in community facilities and at community functions.
• Encourage business and facilities to provide clean and comfortable spaces where women can breast feed in private if they so desire.
• Breast feeding is supported by human rights legislation.  Employers have a duty to accommodate breast feeding mothers when they return to work.  For more information see the Saskatchewan Department of Labour booklet, Pregnancy, Parenting and the Workplace available from: http://www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/pregrancy-parenting-workplace

Breast feeding is natural but it takes time and mothers need support in their breast feeding efforts from their families, communities and health care providers.

For more information contact your local Public Health Nurse or the Weyburn Community Health clinic at (306) 842-8618.

Adapted from Mother’s Milk, Baby’s Choice.  Breast Feeding Committee of Saskatchewan, March 2002.