Intent to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. It is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by Health Canada and the World Health Organization for the first 6 months, then infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

Key findings:

• In Sudbury and districts, 87.6% of new mothers intended to breastfeed in 2016.
• The proportion of new mothers who intend to breastfeed in Sudbury and districts has been lower than that in Ontario.
• Between 2013 and 2016, the proportion of new mothers who intend to breastfeed in Sudbury and districts has remained stable.

Notes:

• These results do not include data from residents of First Nations reserves.
• Data source: BORN Information System, Better Outcomes Registry Network, Extracted: March, 2017.

Figure: Annual proportion of mothers that intend to breastfeed, by geographic area, 2013 to 2016

Table: Percentage, intent to breastfeed, by geographic area, 2013 to 2016

Table: Annual number of new mothers who intend to breastfeed, by geographic area, 2013 to 2016

This item was last modified on October 26, 2018