Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food to help your baby to grow and develop. It is custom-made by each mother for her own baby, and contains the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Remarkably, as your baby grows, your milk will also change to keep up with your baby’s needs. Human milk is also easier than formula for your baby to digest, which means less mess and fuss!
 
Breast milk contains valuable antibodies that help prevent disease and may reduce the risk of your baby developing allergies. After birth, your first milk, called Colostrum, offers vital early protection and helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by coating your baby’s digestive system. This early protection is even more important if your baby is born prematurely.
 
Benefits to Mom
Research suggests that breastfeeding provides a measure of protection against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weak bones later in life.
Your body uses calories to produce milk, so breastfeeding can help you to gradually lose weight gained during pregnancy. Exclusive breastfeeding may also delay the return of menstruation for at least a little while.
Breast milk is always safe, fresh and exactly the right temperature. It’s ready for baby at a moment’s notice, and you don’t have to heat it, boil water, or sterilize bottles. This makes night time feedings a lot easier.
Since breast milk is always with you, travelling and shopping with your baby is simpler, with no equipment to carry or refrigeration needed.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is natural, but it may take up to six weeks or longer to establish, so don’t give up!  Advice and support are available from your midwife/primary care provider and/or public health unit.  They have experience with the challenges you may be facing and will understand how you feel. 
Everyone can offer encouragement so mothers feel supported to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.  The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team welcomes and encourages breastfeeding on our premises.  We have a designated breastfeeding area with a special comfy chair available for breastfeeding mothers (provided by the Timiskaming Health Unit).  Please feel free to enquire at the front desk.


The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team…
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible!