Infant Feeding and Support

We support clients to make informed choices about how they feed their babies. 

Your midwife will provide in-depth education and support about breast/chestfeeding. We also provide information, education, and support in instances where clients choose bottle feeding with either infant formula or expressed breast milk.

We will do our best to support you with any challenges you may have in feeding your baby both easily and comfortably. We can also refer you to other community supports, including Lactation Consultants, Public Health Nurses, and Pediatricians, should the need arise.

At Family Care Midwives (FCM), we recognize that some parents may use the word “chestfeeding” to describe how they feed and nurture their children from their bodies. Language changes over time so it is important that we pay attention to these changes. FCM supports parents of all gender identities and family structures. We do continue to use the words ‘mother’ and ‘breastfeeding’ too as we work to personalize your care and support you on your parenting journey. Whether you breastfeed, chestfeed, or nurse your children or support a partner who does, FCM welcomes you. We will use the terms you have chosen to describe your feeding and parenting experiences.

Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. At about 6 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.

Here are some of the many other benefits of breastfeeding:

Breast milk naturally has all the nutrients babies need to grow and develop. It is custom-made by each mother for her own baby. Breast milk has the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, and is easy to digest.

Breast milk has antibodies that can help prevent your baby from getting sick. 

Breastfeeding can help prevent health problems in your baby, such as ear infections, allergies, eczema, and stomach/digestive problems.

Breast milk is easy on your baby’s digestive system, so there is less chance of constipation or diarrhea.

Breastfed babies are less likely to be hospitalized with breathing infections.

Breastfed babies are less likely to become obese or have diabetes.

Breastfeeding may help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Mothers who breastfeed find it easier to lose weight after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding may help lower the risk for breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, and certain other diseases in mothers.

Breastfeeding is also more convenient. You can breastfeed almost anywhere and anytime.

Breast milk is always fresh and exactly the right temperature. You do not have to heat it, boil water or sterilize bottles. This makes feedings easier.

Shot of a young woman breastfeeding her adorable baby girl on the sofa at home.

Breastfeeding saves you money.


Breastfeeding is good for the planet. Breast milk is made and delivered right to your baby – without any processing, chemical preservatives, packaging or waste.

Breastfeeding burns calories, so it’s important that you eat a variety of nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids. You don’t need to avoid milk, eggs, peanuts or other foods while breastfeeding. There is no evidence that avoiding certain foods will prevent allergies in your child.

We also recognize that there are reasons and health challenges that may not make breastfeeding possible.

The decision about how to feed your baby is a personal one, and only you can decide what is best for you and your family. We understand that breastfeeding is not for everyone.

Some babies may have trouble breastfeeding because of:

  • Birth defects of the mouth (cleft lip or cleft palate)
  • Problems with sucking
  • Digestive problems
  • Premature birth
  • Small size
  • Weak physical condition

You may have trouble breastfeeding if you have:

  • Breast cancer
  • Breast infection or breast abscess
  • Poor milk supply
  • Previous breast surgery or radiation treatment

In special cases, women may be advised not to breastfeed. These instances include when a woman is taking certain medications or drugs, when she has been diagnosed with a specific illness, or when other specific conditions apply.

When possible, it is well worth doing all you can to overcome breastfeeding challenges. Most mothers find that the early struggles pass quickly, and they settle into a workable and enjoyable feeding routine with their newborn. 

Whatever decisions you make about feeding your baby, we are here to help and support you.

Beautiful asian mother feeding baby wtih bottle of milk.

Additional support:

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