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Breastfeeding is the ideal method of feeding your baby. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mom and baby.

For the baby and growing child, breastfeeding:

• reduces infectious diseases in early and later childhood
• promotes optimal brain development
• provides protection for premature infants against life threatening illness

For mothers, breastfeeding:

• reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis
• enables a mother to sustain her infant independently

Elgin St. Thomas Public Health is dedicated to supporting your breastfeeding experience.

This section includes information on getting started, common problems, breast pumps and products, the growing baby, special situations, getting help, websites and books, and breastfeeding friendly locations. If you have any questions please contact a Public Health Nurse at 519-631-9900 or a Health Care Provider.