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.
To speak with a public health nurse please call the Family Health Intake Line at 613-735-9774 (direct line) or 1-800-267-1097 ext. 589 (toll-free) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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!
In-Home Support
Public Health Nurses are available for phone or in-home breastfeeding support for families living in Renfrew County. To speak with a Public Health Nurse please:
- call: the Family Health Intake Line at 613-735-9774 (direct line) or 1-800-267-1097 ext. 589 (toll-free), or
- email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com
Parent Child Wellness Clinics
RCDHU is now offering by appointment Parent Child Wellness Clinics. Spend one-on-one time with a Public Health Nurse and get support as well as answers to your questions about feeding, sleeping, crying and other parenting inquiries. Clinics are open to families with children age zero to transition to school.
Clinic locations:
- Pembroke (RCDHU Main Office) – Parent Child Wellness Clinic
- Renfrew (RCDHU Office) – Parent Child Wellness Clinic
- Arnprior (EarlyON® Centre) – Parent Child Wellness Clinic
For more information and to book an appointment:
- call: the Family Health Intake Line at 613-735-9774 (direct line) or 1-800-267-1097 ext. 589 (toll-free), or
- email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com.
Petawawa Centennial Breastfeeding Clinic
In person and phone appointments available with a Nurse Practitioner, Heidi Krebsz. Appointments are available to anyone in Renfrew County.
To book an appointment please call: 613-687-7641
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
Killaloe – Community Resource Centre
- Phone: 613-757-3108 or 1-888-757-3108
- Loan
Pembroke – Mulvihill Drug Mart
- Phone: 613-735-0161
- Rent or buy
For breast-pump rentals in the Ottawa area please see: http://www.ottawabreastfeeds.ca/
Resources
Online Resources
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
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 their head up steadily
- can sit up and lean forward
- open their mouth wide when you offer food
- swallow food instead of pushing it out
- can let you know when they are full (e.g., turns head away)
- can pick up food and try to put it in their mouth
To learn more about introducing solid food, come to one of our Baby Food Making workshops.