Breastfeeding Practices in Canada: Overview

Health Canada promotes breastfeeding as the best method of feeding infants as it provides optimal nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits for the growth and development of infants.  Health Canada also provides guidance on both the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin D supplementation of breastfed infants.

In addition to being the recommended method of infant feeding, breastfeeding practices (breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding duration) are health indicators in Canada.  Health indicators are standardized measures by which to compare health status and health system performance and characteristics among different jurisdictions in Canada.

Since the  Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) began in 2000, a Maternal experiences - Breastfeeding Module (MEX) has been included in each CCHS annual cycle (formerly CCHS X.1). Breastfeeding data from the series of CCHS cross-sectional surveys contribute to a better understanding of trends over time.

More Information On...

• The Maternal experiences - Breastfeeding (MEX) Module
• Trends in Breastfeeding Practices in Canada (2001-2008)
• Breastfeeding Initiation in Canada: Key Statistics and Graphics (2007-2008)
• Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Canada: Key Statistics and Graphics (2007-2008)
• Vitamin D Supplementation of Breastfed Infants in Canada: Key Statistics and Graphics (2007-2008)

Additional Resources

• Infant Feeding