Infant Feeding
The Baby-Friendly Initiative
The Baby-Friendly Initiative is an international program designed to support all mothers and babies by supporting moms to make informed decisions about feeding their baby, protecting them from marketing pressures of formula companies, and promoting practices that give mothers and babies a healthy start.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is a Baby-Friendly organization, which means we support all families regardless of how their infants are fed.
Informed Decision-Making
To help make the best decisions for you and your baby you need reliable information. Breastmilk contains everything your baby needs for the first six months of life. The longer a baby is breastfed, the greater the health benefits to both you and your baby. The sources below can help you decide how to feed your baby.
- Breastfeeding Matters
- 10 Great Reasons to Breastfeed
- Infant Feeding - Are you making an informed decision?
- If you have made an informed decision to give your baby breastmilk substitute and need more information call our Child Health CARELine at 613-966-5500 ext. 223 to speak with a public health nurse.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Programs and Services
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has a number of programs and services that can support you to feed your baby.
Child Health CARELine
Public Health Nurses from our Child and Reproductive Health Program are available to speak with you by phone to answer your questions about infant feeding, parenting, growth and development, and more. Our nurses can also connect you with other programs and services to help support you as a parent.
Call 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 223
You can also text the CARELine at 450-990-5551.
Breastfeeding Consultations
Breastfeeding is natural, but it can take time to learn. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health offers one-to-one support for mothers experiencing breastfeeding challenges.
To arrange a breastfeeding consultation, call the Child Health CARELine.
Baby Feeding Drop-In
If you have questions about feeding your baby, you can come to one of our Baby Feeding Drop-Ins for answers and reassurance. No appointment is necessary. Visit our Baby Feeding Drop-In page for information on times and locations.
Prenatal Education
Parents-to-be can register for our free Prenatal Education Series. Learn about parenting, breastfeeding, and labour and birth. Visit our Prenatal Education page for more information.
Infant Feeding Classes
Free Infant Feeding Classes provide the latest information about when and how to start your baby on solid foods. Visit our Infant Feeding Classes page for more information.
Breastfeeding Resources
- Breastfeeding Birth Plan
- Breastfeeding Supports
- Prenatal Education
- Breastfeeding Matters
- 10 Valuable Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
- Skin-to-Skin is the Healthiest Place to Begin - Poster
- Skin-to-Skin is the Healthiest Place to Begin - Bookmark
- Helping Baby Latch
- Region of Peel - Breastfeeding Videos
- Bilingual Online Ontario Breastfeeding Services
- Telehealth 24/7 Telephone Breastfeeding Support