Making a Decision for your Family
From the minute you became pregnant you have been making decisions that affect you, your baby, and your family. To make the best decision about breastfeeding, you will need good quality information. This website provides parents with information about breastfeeding. Take a look at the ‘Human Milk vs. Formula’ section for information about the differences between breast milk and formula. Also, review the ‘Importance of Breastfeeding’ section to learn about the importance of breastfeeding for you, your baby, and your family. Parents should be aware that formula companies try to sell their products and their advertisements are designed to encourage parents to use formula.
Research shows:
- Supplementing with formula can get in the way of establishing your milk supply and decrease your milk supply. Your milk supply is directly linked to how often you feed your baby.
- Babies who receive formula supplements are more likely to breastfeed less and need more formula over time.
- Mothers who use formula in the first weeks are more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier than they had planned.
For these reasons:
- If your baby needs to be supplemented, it is best to give your baby expressed breast milk.
- There may be a medical reason why a baby may need formula, such as a medical condition, or the mother may be unable or unavailable to breastfeed or express breast milk for her baby. Talk to your primary health care provider to learn more about medical reasons for supplementation.
- Other times families make an informed decision to use infant formula. If you are thinking about mixed feeding or only formula feeding be sure to get information so that you can make an informed decision. You will also need to learn the safe preparation, use and storage of infant formula.
- If you planned to exclusively breastfeed but had to supplement with formula, be sure to work with a health care provider knowledgeable about breastfeeding on ways to increase your breast milk supply and decrease the formula.
By knowing what to expect and planning ahead, you can be more confident about breastfeeding. Learn about the breastfeeding resources and services in your community by contacting your local health unit.
If you choose to use formula, get help from your physician or local health unit. Health professionals can provide information, resources, and support for all of your infant feeding needs at all ages and stages. For more information on feeding your baby formula, click here.
Things to Consider
Watch the videos below for things to consider when making a decision for your family.
The Cost of Infant Feeding
The Immune Protection Breastfeeding Provides
The Importance of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the natural food for newborns. It contains everything your baby needs. No question, no debate, no doubt. The Public Health Agency of Canada, the Dietitians of Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada agree:
- Babies need only breast milk for the first 6 months.
- Once solids are introduced, at 6 months of age, breastfeeding should continue for up to 2 years and beyond.
Breastfeeding is important to your baby’s health because babies who are not breastfed have higher risk of:
- Some infections (ear, chest, stomach etc.)
- Some childhood cancers
- Being overweight or obese
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Mothers who breastfeed:
- Have more controlled postpartum bleeding.
- Have their uterus return to the pre-pregnancy state faster.
- Release hormones, which assist with bonding.
- Have a decreased risk of breast, and ovarian cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes.
- Burn calories while breastfeeding, which assists them in returning to a healthy body weight postpartum.
Breastfeeding is important to families because:
- It can positively impact the health of mothers and babies
- It is convenient, always the right temperature, and available anytime
- It is free
- It reduces health care costs for your family and society
- It is environmentally friendly, as there is no pollution created by manufacturing, transportation, or waste products
Just as the placenta nourished and protected your baby in the uterus, breastfeeding will continue to nourish and protect your baby. Breast milk provides your baby with everything he needs for optimal growth and development.
All mammals make milk to nourish babies to help them grow. Each type of milk made is different and meets the needs of the particular mammal. Human milk has evolved over thousands of years to meet the needs of human babies. For that reason, no other milk compares with human milk. It is recommended that human babies be fed human milk.
Breastfeeding Recommendations
What do Health Care Professionals Have to Say?
In Mother’s Words: Five Mothers Tell Us What Breastfeeding Means to Them
First 6 Months
Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First 6 Months
Exclusive breastfeeding means the baby is fed only breast milk (the baby can be given vitamins or medications if needed). Most mothers are able to establish a milk supply which meets their baby’s growth and developmental needs. Breast milk has all the nutrients needed for your baby during the first 6 months of life. A daily supplement of 400 IU (10 μg) of Vitamin D per day is recommended for infants and young children who are breastfed or receiving breast milk.
Some of the reasons that health care providers recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, include:
- When babies are fed only breast milk for the first 6 months they have less illnesses as breast milk protects against infections, diarrhea and dehydration.
- The immune fighting properties in breast milk help the baby to develop a strong immune system, keeping them healthier.
- The important protective properties breastfeeding has for mothers and babies are increased with longer and exclusive breastfeeding.
- Introducing breast milk substitutes such as infant formula to a baby in the first 6 months may increase health risks and the chances of developing allergies and should only be done when medically necessary.
- Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months lowers the risk of allergies, especially if there is a family history.
- Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months may decrease the risk of obesity in later life and is important to brain development.
At Around 6 Months of Age:
- Babies are developmentally ready to sit up and actively engage in eating complementary foods with the use of their hands.
- Healthy, affordable, available complementary foods are often added to the diet.
- Although the frequency and duration of breastfeeds may decrease over time after the baby is 6 months, breast milk will remain an important part of the baby’s diet due to the nutritional and immunity properties.
It is recommended that mothers and babies continue to breastfeed after complementary foods are introduced to 2 years and beyond.
For more information on recommendations, please visit the following resource provided by the Government of Canada.
Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Birth to Six Months
6 Months to 2 Years+
Feeding your older baby from 6 months to 2 years and beyond:
Breastfeeding is not just for young babies. Breastfeeding remains important for older babies, young children, and their mothers. The longer a mother and baby breastfeed, the greater the health protection against illnesses and diseases. The nutritional content of breastmilk changes over time to meet your baby’s needs. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of your baby’s life and continues to make an important contribution to your baby’s diet after solid foods are introduced. Additionally, the immune properties in breastmilk are very important to older babies and young children as they explore the world and are exposed to many germs in their environments.
Mothers who breastfeed their older babies often talk about the “bonding” and closeness they feel with their child. Babies and young children are so much fun to be with and watch develop and grow. Breastfeeding is part of the experience and the breastfeeding relationship grows and changes with age. You and your child will enjoy the calm and relaxed moments you share while breastfeeding. As your baby or young child explores the world and builds his independence, he will benefit from returning to your safe and trusting arms to be nourished emotionally and physically with breastfeeding.
Support from family and friends is very valuable to mothers who are breastfeeding their older babies. You may find it helpful to provide them with information on the continued importance of breastfeeding an older baby and how they can support you (see “Supporting Mom” page for more information). Many mothers find breastfeeding peers to be a great support, visit the “Friends” section on the “Everyday Life” page for more information on finding a breastfeeding peer support group in your area.
Breastfeeding an older baby means, breastfeeding through the teething stage. This is a normal part of breastfeeding and is not an unusual issue for mothers and babies. See the “Teething, Solids and Weaning” section on the “Everyday Life” page for more information.
Some older babies and young children like to breastfeed while falling asleep or during the night. This may be fine for the mother and child. It is important to take care of your baby’s teeth to prevent dental caries. Dental caries are cavities which can occur in young children’s teeth and often develop when there is pooling of milk in the mouth for long periods, such as while sleeping. Proper mouth care and monitoring your baby’s teeth can decrease the risk of this occurring. Speak to your dental or health care provider for more information.
Mothers experiences breastfeeding older babies
Breastfeeding and Teeth
Differences Between Human Milk and Formula:
| Differences | Breast Milk | Formula |
| Proteins | Breast milk has special proteins designed for human babies including: – Lactoferrin, which keeps the baby’s tummy healthy. – Proteins needed for brain and body development. – Sleep inducing proteins. The proteins are easy for the baby to digest and absorb. | Formula does not have many of the proteins found in breast milk. Formula commonly has cow’s milk or soy protein, which some babies have sensitivities or allergies to. The proteins in formula are harder to digest and absorb. |
| Enzymes | Breast milk has enzymes, which break down elements in the milk and helps the baby to digest it. The proteins are easy for the baby to digest and absorb. | Formula does not have any enzymes to help with digestion. |
| Antibodies | Breast milk has antibodies, which are also called Immunoglobulins. These are cells that specifically target germs, which cause illnesses. The mother’s body will make these immunoglobulins, which target germs in the environment. These are passed to the baby through breast milk. These cells help to protect the baby from germs and illnesses. | Formula has some immunoglobulins, but they do not target the germs in the baby’s environment. |
| Immune Protection | Breast milk has many live cells, which work to protect the baby. There are high quantities of white blood cells, which work to kill germs. Just as the placenta nourished and protected your baby in the uterus, breast milk will continue to nourish and protect your baby. | Formula does not contain live cells or white blood cells due to the way it is made. |
| Growth Factors | Breast milk has many live cells, which work to protect the baby. Breast milk has human growth factors, which promote healthy cell growth and help your baby grow. | There are no human growth factors in formula. |
| Hormones | Breast milk has many hormones, such as prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are important to the baby’s growth and development. | There are no hormones in formula. |
| Vitamins | Breast milk has all the needed vitamins for your baby’s growth and development. The vitamins in breast milk are well absorbed. Your doctor will recommend that you give your baby vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced by your skin based on sun exposure. Speak to your doctor about your baby’s particular vitamin needs. | Formula has vitamins, but they are less well absorbed. The vitamin content may decrease over time and also from the time between when the formula is prepared to when it is fed to the baby. |
| Water | Water is the largest component of breastmilk. The water in breastmilk quenches baby’s thirst even when it is hot outside. | Different types of formulas contain different amounts of water. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the right amount of water is used in formula. Using too much or too little water when preparing formula can put the baby’s health at risk. |
| Carbohydrates | Breast milk has large amounts of carbohydrates such as lactose, the sugar found in milk, and oligosaccharides, which are important for a healthy digestive system. The carbohydrates in breast milk are also important for brain development. | Some formulas contain carbohydrates such as lactose. Others may have corn syrup or sucrose. These are used to replace some or all of the lactose. |
| Fats | Breast milk has fats that adjust to the baby’s needs. The amount of fat is controlled by the baby’s feeding pattern, and age. The digestive enzymes in breast milk help digest fat for easy absorption. Breast milk is rich in cholesterol, which is needed for your baby’s growth and development. | The fat in formula does not adjust to the baby’s needs. The fat content remains consistent at every feed and over time. Formula does not contain enzymes to help digest fat. The fat in formula is more difficult to digest than the fat in breast milk. There is no cholesterol in formula. |
| DHA/AA | Breast milk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid. DHA and AA are naturally found in breast milk. These are important for your baby’s brain growth and development. | Formula does not generally contain the fatty acids DHA or AA. Some specialty formulas have DHA or AA which come from non-human sources. |
| Minerals | Breast milk has all necessary minerals and some antioxidants. The minerals in breast milk are well absorbed. For example, iron absorption from breast milk is over 50%. Minerals are provided in the amount specifically needed to meet your baby’s needs. | Formula has a higher amount of minerals, but they are not as easily absorbed. For example, Iron absorption from formula is around 10% or less. |
| Changes | Breast milk is never the same twice. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of your growing baby. Breast milk changes throughout the day and as your baby grows and develops. Mothers who have premature babies have breast milk specifically designed to meet the needs of their preterm babies and it is different breast milk from mothers who have delivered term babies. The flavour of breast milk changes constantly and picks up flavours in the mother’s diet. This may help the baby become familiar with the taste of food when he starts solids at 6 months. | Formula is consistent from feed to feed. |
Feeding Your Baby Formula
Think about these questions if you decide to feed your baby formula:
- What type of formula do I want to use?
- How do I sterilize the equipment?
- How do I make the formula?
- How much will my baby need?
- How do I feed formula to my baby?
For more information, read Infant formula: What You Need to Know or click here to watch a video. This information is for healthy babies born full term. Speak with your health care provider to learn about formula for preterm or babies who are unwell.
More tips on how to prepare and feed your baby formula: