SCDHU Infant Feeding Survey 2002

Backgrounder

In 2002 the SCDHU completed an Infant Feeding Survey. Five hundred mothers were surveyed at six weeks after their baby's birth, then again at six months after birth.  The survey provides up-to-date county level data on infant feeding.

Survey Results

Breastfeeding beginnings

• Two-thirds of women started to plan before pregnancy how they would feed their babies.
• 91% of mothers started out breastfeeding-a significant increase from 75% in 1991.
• The most common reasons mothers gave for not choosing to breastfeed included: they thought breastfeeding would be difficult, they had past negative breastfeeding experiences or they felt it would prevent the father from being involved in child care.

Continuing to breastfeed

• 68% of mothers were breastfeeding baby at three months-a substantial increase from 38% in 1991.
• Half of all mothers were breastfeeding at six months.
• Family, friends and physicians were reported as having the greatest influence on the length of time a woman breastfeeds.
• Mothers who breastfed longer were more satisfied with their breastfeeding experience.
• The most common reasons given for stopping breastfeeding were that women felt they did not have enough milk or that the baby was self-weaning.  Sore nipples, problems getting baby to latch onto the breast, and other practical breastfeeding challenges were also reasons given for stopping breastfeeding before six weeks.
• One out of three breastfeeding mothers reported they had felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public places.
• Almost all new mothers (both breastfeeding and formula feeding moms) introduced other liquids or solids before their babies were six months old.
• 22% of these new mothers said they introduced other liquids or solids before their babies were four months old.

Where do we go from here?

The good news is that the vast majority of women in Simcoe County start out breastfeeding their babies because they know breast is best.  In order to provide mothers and babies with all the benefits of breastfeeding, women need to be supported to feed their babies only breast milk up to about the age of 6 months and to keep breast milk a part of babies' diets for longer. 

Family, friends, doctors and other health care providers play a critical role in making sure that women get the right information and enough support from early in pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding. With preparation and support almost all women can successfully deal with the practical challenges, enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience and fulfill their desire to feed their babies the best way possible.

Across Simcoe County families can reach out to any of the following resources:

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
-     Health Connection-to talk with a public health nurse and for information on local breastfeeding resources, call weekdays 8:30 am - 6 pm, 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (from South Simcoe). Or click on to the health unit web site for information, www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. For urgent assistance outside of Health Connection hours call Telehealth toll free at 1-866-797-0000 or contact your local hospital.

-     Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes - Learn about breastfeeding before your baby arrives! Call your local health unit office to register. Barrie 721-7520, Collingwood 445-0804, Midland 526-9324, Orillia 325-9565 and Cookstown 458-1103.

      -     Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program -- Breastfeeding support in your home. Call Health Connection for information.

The Breastfeeding Place
Visit with other breastfeeding mothers while getting one-on-one support and help from a public health nurse. Call Health Connection for locations.

La Leche League
Breastfeeding information and support 1-800-665-4324.

Breastfeeding Clinics
One-to-one breastfeeding support.

-   Royal Victoria Hospital-728-9090 ext 4743

-   Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital-325-2201 ext.3573

MotherCare
Community drop-in nutrition and support program for pregnant women and new mothers. Contact Health Connection for locations and hours.

Baby-Friendly Places
Look for this welcome sign in restaurants, retail stores and other businesses. Mothers have the right to breastfeed anytime, any place.

For more information on the Infant Feeding Survey results please contact Peggy Govers, manager Reproductive Child Health Programs, at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (from South Simcoe).