Description - Figure 5 - Percentage of mothers who exclusive breastfed for six months (or more) by region, Canada, 2009-2010

This map of Canada shows the percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in six Canadian regions for the data collection period 2009-2010 of the Canadian Community Health Survey. It also shows whether the percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in each region is significantly below the Canadian average, near the Canadian average or significantly above the Canadian average. It is based on information provided by females aged 15 to 55 who had a baby in the last 5 years. Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the practice of feeding only breast milk (including expressed breast milk) to babies. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding is a derived variable based on questions about length of breastfeeding and the introduction of liquids or solids.

In Canada overall, 25.9 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more.
In British Columbia, 33.9 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in British Columbia is above the Canadian average.
In the Prairie region, which includes Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 30.1 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in the Prairie region is above the Canadian average.
In Ontario, 26.1 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in Ontario is near the Canadian average.
In Quebec, 19.9 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percent of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in Quebec is below the Canadian average.
In the Atlantic region, which includes New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, 17.7 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in the Atlantic region is below the Canadian average.
In the Territories, which include Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, 33.0 percent of mothers exclusively breastfed their last baby for six months or more. The percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed for six months or more in the Territories is above the Canadian average.