Breastfeeding 2010 Calendar

For information about the 2010 Breastfeeding Calendar contact Wendy Robb at the Margaret Moss Health Unit at 250-709-3050.

Breast is Best

Did you know that Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of baby’s life and continuing breastfeeding to at least two years of age. Babies may gradually have solid foods starting at around six months of age.

Breastfeeding families have more money.  Formula costs more than $1000 for a year, not including the cost of bottles, nipples, bottle liners, soothers, etc.

Breastfed babies have less:  hospital admissions, diaper rashes, ear infections, allergies, asthma, colic, colds, diarrhea, diabetes, childhood cancers, chest infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Breastfeeding mothers have lower rates of:  osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes and cancer of the breast, ovaries and uterus.

Breastfeeding mothers have better immunity and more hormones that promote feelings of nurturing and happiness.

Breastfeeding burns extra calories in mom’s diet.

Formula fed babies have more chance of: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and allergies.

Powdered formula is not sterilized and has been found to contain bacteria dangerous to premature or sick babies.

Millions of litres of formula were recalled in Europe last year because of contamination with ink chemicals that leached through the packaging.

Donor, pasteurized breast milk is available from the Women’s and Children’s Milk Bank in Vancouver.

Breastfed babies that have occasional bottles of formula for convenience, are more likely to wean early, often before Mom is ready.
 
The Cowichan Valley has an abundance of breastfeeding support.Call the Margaret Moss Health unit for information, 709-3050.

Wendy Robb
Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding Mom's Blog