Breastfeeding

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

It may take even six weeks or more to get breastfeeding established. Support is available to get you off to a good start and to help you continue to breastfeed into the second year and beyond. 

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

Mothers benefit from breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding mothers in your community?

• Support all breastfeeding mothers in your community to breastfeed as necessary in community facilities and at community functions.
• Encourage business and facilities to provide clean and comfortable spaces where women can breastfeed in private if they so desire.
• Breastfeeding is supported by human rights legislation. Employers have a duty to accommodate breastfeeding 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.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/wellness-and-prevention/children-health-and-parenting/feeding-your-baby 

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

For more information contact your local Public Health Nurse: 

• Weyburn Public Health     306-842-8618
• Coronach Public Health    306-267-5705
• Radville Public Health      306-869-2555
• Kipling Public Health        306-736-2522
• Carlyle Public Health        306-453-6131
• Redvers Public Health      306-452-4020
• Oxbow Public Health        306-483-2313
• Estevan Public Health       306-637-3626