Make An Informed Decision About Feeding Your Baby
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 is the only food for babies until they are about 6 months old. After six months, breastfeeding is recommended for two years and beyond along with nutritious solid foods. Breastfeeding:
- Protects your baby from many infections and illnesses
- Builds healthy eating habits
- Promotes proper jaw development
- Promotes healthy brain development.
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 6 months. 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 baby.
Drop-In – no appointment needed.
Parent Child Drop-in is held regularly in 14 locations. See the schedule (PDF 2 pages) or see the calendar for upcoming Parent Child Drop-Ins.
Breastfeeding consultation
To see a Public Health Nurse at Renfrew County and District Health Unit for help with breastfeeding:
- Call: 613-735-8651 extension 519 OR 1-800-267-1097 extension 519
- Email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com
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 extension 4129.
Telehealth Ontario breastfeeding advice
Telehealth Ontario provides 24/7 breastfeeding advice. Call 1-866-797-0000 or TTY 1-866-797-0007.
Breast Pump Rentals & Loans
Arnprior – Shoppers Drug Mart
613-623-7971
Rent or Buy
Killaloe – Community Resource Centre
613-757-3108 or 1-888-757-3108
Loan
Ottawa – Birthcare Inc.
613-739-7370
Rent or Buy
Pembroke – Mulvihill Drug Mart
613-735-0161
Rent or Buy
Renfrew / Arnprior – Gisele Gobeil – ABC Soutien Perinatal Support
613-831-3180
Rent or Buy
Resources
10 Great Reasons to breastfeed Your Baby
Tips for getting breastfeeding off to a good start
Websites
Renfrew County Breastfeeds for local breastfeeding resources and information.
Bilingual Ontario Online Breastfeeding Services allows you to search for breastfeeding services near you.
Breastfeeding Information for Parents is an online breastfeeding course.
Motherisk provides safety information and helplines for expectant and breastfeeding mothers.
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 she:
- Holds her head up steadily
- Can sit up and lean forward
- Opens her mouth wide when you offer food
- Swallows 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
Come to a baby food making workshop.
Resources
Best Start Resource Centre – Feeding Your Baby – A guide to help you introduce solid foods