Informed Decision Making
How you feed your baby is an important and personal decision. Making an informed decision means understanding the risks and benefits of all your options.
Breastmilk Substitute
For personal or medical reasons, some families make an informed decision to use formula.
If you have decided to formula feed your baby and need information on how to prepare it safely, see our Food Safety page.
Resources
Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the natural food for babies and the only food babies need for the first six months. After six months, breastfeeding is recommended for two years and beyond along with nutritious solid foods.
Some women have challenges breastfeeding, particularly in the early days. We want you to be successful! If you need support, advice, reassurance, or would like to connect with other breastfeeding moms there are lots of resources for you.
Parent Child Drop-In
Spend one-on-one time with a Public Health Nurse and get support, as well as answers, to your questions about feeding your child.
Open to all, no appointment needed.
Parent Child Drop-ins are held regularly in 11 locations. See the schedule (PDF 2 pages) or see the calendar for upcoming Parent Child Drop-Ins.
Breastfeeding Drop-Ins
Petawawa
- Every Tuesday, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre (154 Civic Centre Rd)
- Contact: Heidi Krebsz, NP, 613-687-7641.
Pembroke
- Every Monday, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the West Champlain Family Health Team (315 Pembroke Street East)
- No need to be a patient of the West Champlain Family Health Team to attend the drop-in.
- Contact: Ashley Hanly, RN, 613-735-8651, Ext. 578.
For more information, email familyhealth@rcdhu.com or call Family Health at 613-735-8651 Ext. 589 OR 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 589.
Breastfeeding Consultation
See a Public Health Nurse from Renfrew County and District Health Unit for help with breastfeeding.
For more information, email familyhealth@rcdhu.com or call Family Health at 613-735-8651 Ext. 589 OR 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 589.
Breastfeeding Buddies
A breastfeeding buddy is a mother who has breastfed and can provide telephone support to new or expectant mothers. To get connected with a breastfeeding Buddy, call the Ontario Early Years Centre (Pembroke) at 613-735-6866 Ext. 4129.
Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario provides bilingual 24/7 breastfeeding services.
- Call 1-866-797-0000 or TTY 1-866-797-0007.
- Visit: www.ontariobreastfeeds.ca
Breast Pump Rentals & Loans
Arnprior – Shoppers Drug Mart
- Phone: 613-623-7971
- Rent or buy
Killaloe – Community Resource Centre
- Phone: 613-757-3108 or 1-888-757-3108
- Loan
Ottawa – Birthcare Inc.
- Phone: 613-739-7370
- Rent or buy
Pembroke – Mulvihill Drug Mart
- Phone: 613-735-0161
- Rent or buy
Renfrew / Arnprior – Gisele Gobeil – ABC Soutien Perinatal Support
- Phone: 613-831-3180
- Rent or buy
Resources
Online Resources
- Bilingual Ontario Online Breastfeeding Services
- Breastfeeding Information for Parents (online breastfeeding course)
Introducing Solid Foods
Your baby is ready to start solid foods at about six months of age. Your baby does not need teeth to start eating solid food. You will know your child is ready when they:
- hold her head up steadily;
- can sit up and lean forward;
- open her mouth wide when you offer food;
- swallow food instead of pushing it out;
- can let you know when she is full (e.g., turns head away);
- can pick up food and try to put it in his mouth.
To learn more about introducing solid food, come to one of our Baby Food Making workshops.