Infant Feeding Practices in Haldimand and Norfolk

In 2014 the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit contacted women who gave birth to ask about how they were feeding their baby. Women were surveyed shortly after discharge from the hospital, at 2 weeks and 6 months.

Quick Facts (2014):

There were 1,068 live births in Haldimand and Norfolk
85.7% of mothers started breastfeeding their baby at birth
63.4% of mothers were breastfeeding exclusively at discharge from the hospital but only 44.2% were still exclusively breastfeeding when contacted shortly after discharge
20.4% of mothers were exclusively breastfeeding their baby at 6 months
The top breastfeeding concerns reported were: baby not latching well, sore nipples and not enough milk
Over 50% of babies were given solid foods at 5 months or younger

Did You Know?

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months. At 6 months, babies should be given complementary solid foods along with continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond.
The Health Unit offers many supports for families to help with feeding their baby such as one-on-one support and Well Baby and Breastfeeding Drop-ins. Visit www.hnhu.org for more information.
Exclusive breastfeeding is when a baby is fed only breast milk and no other liquids or solids.