Breastfeeding: The best food for your baby
VIDEO: Breast is Best!
Breastfeeding helps every aspect of Miyupimaatisiiun
Did you know?
Breastfeeding helps the mother and child in every aspect of Miyupimaatisiiun
- physical
- mental
- emotional and
- spiritual development
Breastfeeding has many benefits
For mothers, breastfeeding…
- Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes
- May help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
- May also reduce the risk of breast and endometrial cancers
- Produces a hormone called oxytocin that sooths, reduces stress, and leads to positive feelings
- Empowers the mother and gives her a sense of accomplishment
- Is an important bonding experience for mother and her baby
- Does not cost money
- Makes travelling easier than needing to prepare formula and clean bottle
For babies, breast milk…
- Is the ideal food. It provides all the energy and nutrients that the baby needs for the first 6 months of life, and continues to provide important nutrients and protective factors for as long as breastfeeding is done
- Is adaptable to the baby’s needs as he grows. The composition and amount available changes as the baby grows.
- Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis
- Contributes to healthy brain development
- Contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses like otitis, respiratory tract infections, gastro, diarrhea, and more
- Contributes to the development of the brain during the first years of a child's life
- Is always clean, ready, and at the right temperature
- Is a renewable and natural food that respects the environment. There is no pollution, packaging, or waste.
Breastfeeding and diabetes prevention
Breastfed children are less likely to develop type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and less likely to be overweight or obese later in life.
The more breastfeeding, the better
The greater the exclusivity (meaning no other foods or liquids besides breastmilk is given in the first 6 months) and longer the duration of breastfeeding, the better the protection and benefits for the mother and her child.
What is recommended
- Babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life, without any other liquids or solid foods
- Breastfeeding continues after 6 months for up to 2 years and beyond, with the addition of appropriate foods
Explore more
The breastfeeding program provides information and support to breastfeeding mothers, including helping them to ensure successful breastfeeding.
The Dental and Oral Health Program organizes and carries out activities and initiatives to prevent tooth decay and to support oral health.
The  Mashkûpimâtsît Awash program works with parents and young families so that they can improve their living situations.
For pregnant women, infants and young children (birth to 9 years), and their families through a culturally safe and integrated services approach.
