The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At about six months, your baby will be ready for other foods, but you can continue breastfeeding as long as it is comfortable for you and your baby, even well into the toddler years.
We acknowledge that individuals of all sex and gender identities/expressions may be in a feeding relationship with their baby. The term “breastfeeding” refers to feeding directly from the breast. Some individuals may use the term “chestfeeding” rather than “breastfeeding," or use “chest milk” rather than “breastmilk." The Health Unit recognizes that language is constantly evolving, and we strive to use gender-affirming language when talking about infant feeding and parenting.
Breastfeeding Clinics and Telephone Support
To speak to a public health nurse or to make an appointment at a breastfeeding clinic near you, please contact:
With support from community partners, we achieved Baby-Friendly Initiative (“BFI”) status in 2011 and 2016.
We continue to provide high standards of care for pregnant people and their families by:
The initiative is a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
If you’re a business owner or employee who would like to create a supportive feeding environment for families please call the Family Health Information Line at 800-563-2808 ext. 5351.
Do you have a baby under the age of six months? The Health Unit wants to hear from you! We are doing a study to learn about how people feed their babies in the first six months. This will help us improve services for new parents and babies in our community. Learn more on our Infant Feeding Survey webpage.
Infant Feeding - Informed Decision Making
Deciding how to feed your baby is an important decision, and it's natural to have questions along the way. Having access to accurate, evidence-based information can help you feel confident in making the decision that's best for you and your baby. To receive support and guidance in making this decision, please contact our Family Health Information Line at 800-563-2808 ext. 5351 or via email at healthy.families@healthunit.ca. We're here to support you in making an informed and confident choice.
The Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) is a law that provides for equal rights and opportunities and recognizes the dignity and worth of every person in Ontario. The Code makes it against the law to discriminate against someone or to harass them because of sex, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
As part of these protections, the Code upholds the rights of chestfeeding and breastfeeding parents to feed their children anywhere, at any time, including in public spaces. Individuals cannot be asked to leave, relocate to a separate room or washroom, or to cover up while chestfeeding or breastfeeding.
Employers also have a responsibility to provide appropriate accommodation for employees who need to chestfeed, breastfeed, or express milk in the workplace. This accommodation must be free from discrimination and must support the employees' rights in a respectful and inclusive manner.
For more information regarding your rights, please see the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding brochure as well as the Policy on preventing discrimination because of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are a business owner or employee seeking to create a supportive feeding environment for staff returning from parental leave, the Family Health Information Line can support you in developing a breastfeeding policy that is inclusive of pregnant, chestfeeding and breastfeeding families. Please contact our Family Health Information Line at 800-563-2808 ext. 5351 or email us at healthy.families@healthunit.ca.
