Infant feeding
Breast milk contains everything your baby needs for the first six months of life. The longer a baby is breastfed, the greater the health benefits for both you and your baby. Solid foods can be introduced starting at around six months, when babies show the signs of readiness. Public Health offers services to support healthy infant feeding and introduction of solid foods.
Making an Informed Decision
To help make the best decisions for you and your baby, you need reliable information. More information is available below to help you make an informed decision.
- 10 Great Reasons to Breastfeed
- Breastfeeding Matters
- Infant Feeding – Are you making an informed decision?
If you have made an informed decision to give your baby breast milk substitute (formula) and would like more information about safe preparation and feeding, call our Child Health CARELine to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
Our Programs and Services
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has a number of programs and services to help support you in feeding your baby.
Prenatal Education
Even before your baby is born, parents-to-be can register for our free Prenatal Education Series to learn about parenting, breastfeeding, and labour and birth.
Child Health CARELine
Public Health Nurses are available 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 email the CARELine at CARELine@hpeph.ca.
Breastfeeding Consultations
Breastfeeding is natural, but it can take time to learn. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health offers one-to-one consultations for mothers looking for breastfeeding support. To arrange a breastfeeding consultation, call the Child Health CARELine at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 223, or email us at CARELine@hpeph.ca. More information is available on our Breastfeeding Consultation page.
Request for Support/Information
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) offers free programs and services for pregnant individuals as well as new and experienced parents. Please let us know what topics are of interest to you and your family. HPEPH will call within 3 business days to follow up on your request.
Please be aware that public health cannot provide primary care services. If you have concerns about your health or the health of your baby, please contact your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, you may contact Health811, available by phone 24/7 at 811.
