Skip to main content
Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval Bouton pour ouvrir la recherche.

Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval

    • Breastfeeding

     

    The benefits of breastfeeding are widely recognized. Many studies show that these benefits come from breastfeeding exclusively and for as long as possible. This is why doctors recommend that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months and then continue (after introducing solid foods) up to the age of two and beyond.

    More details on the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.

    Breastfeeding resources

    Support for breastfeeding is available whether you're a new mom or have breastfed before. This support may be offered in partnership with community organizations. You’ll get tips and information from specialized nurses or experienced volunteers who are trained to help you.

     

    Feeling worried?

    Don’t hesitate to contact Ouvre un lien interne dans la fenêtre courante Info-Santé at 811. A nurse can answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Who do I contact for these services?

    What are the benefits of breastfeeding my baby?

    Breast milk is best

    Breast milk is unique and easy to digest. It has more than 200 elements, many of which are specifically designed to meet your baby’s needs. Some of these living substances protect your baby (i.e., antibodies and enzymes).

    Breast milk changes over the day to meet your baby’s needs and changes over time to better meet your child’s needs as she grows.

    Help your baby stay healthy

    We’ve known for a long time that breastfed babies can better fight off infection compared to babies who aren’t breastfed. Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, bouts of gastroenteritis, and hospital stays. Breastfeeding may also protect against allergies, sudden infant death syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases and some types of cancer.

    Breastfeeding protects mom too

    Breastfeeding is also beneficial for your health as a mother. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of bleeding after they give birth. They also have lower risks of getting breast or ovarian cancer or developing osteoporosis. The close bond created between mother and child during breastfeeding gives your baby a sense of safety and comfort that she needs for her well-being.

    Get ready to breastfeed

    Although breastfeeding is a natural part of pregnancy and childbirth, both you and your baby may need some time to adapt and learn. Starting off right will boost the chances that your breastfeeding experience will be a happy and enjoyable one.

    Get information and support

    To get ready to breastfeed, you can read books, ask your friends and family questions, and get support from your spouse, family, friends or community groups (support groups and breastfeeding groups). The more support you get, the more likely you’ll have a positive experience and reach your breastfeeding goals. If you’re having problems or feeling discouraged, you can turn to these resources for help or attend support workshops for the parents of young children (faire hyperlien vers ateliers).