While babies often start to explore solid foods at about six months, continued breastfeeding is recommended for two years and beyond. Many parents continue breastfeeding their children during new pregnancies and in tandem with newborns.
Explore the sections and resources below for families with older infants and toddlers.
Breastfeeding can be supportive during times where there may be pain or discomfort for babies and toddlers.
- Breastfeed to minimize vaccination pain (video) - Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
- It doesn’t have to hurt: The power of a parent’s touch (video) - Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH)
- A realistic look at tandem breastfeeding: One family’s experience - NH Stories
- Adventures of Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding during Pregnancy and Beyond by Hilary Flower (check your local public library)
- Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing - La Leche League International
- Tandem breastfeeding: Strengthening family connections - NH Stories
- Breastfeeding your toddler (PDF) - Government of BC
- Juggling the joys (and challenges) of breastfeeding my toddler - NH Stories
- Nutrition in the first year - Northern Health
- Nutrition for toddlers and preschoolers - Northern Health
Breastfeeding is a human right. Did you know that BC employers are required to accommodate your breastfeeding needs, such as providing adequate breaks and a comfortable space for you to breastfeed and/or express your milk?
Share these resources with your employer and discuss how they can support you to meet your breastfeeding goals:
- Breastfeeding and returning to work - HealthLink BC
- Breastfeeding at work - HealthLink BC
- Breastfeeding in the workplace - NH Stories
- Work and breastfeeding (PDF) - Best Start by Health Nexus
- Weaning - HealthLink BC
- When your toddler stops breastfeeding (PDF) - Toddler’s First Steps, Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
Featured resources
- Baby’s best chance - HealthLink BC
- Breastfeeding matters: An important guide for breastfeeding families (PDF) - Best Start by Health Nexus
- Toddler’s first steps: A best chance guide to parenting your 6 to 36 month old (PDF) - Government of BC
Featured NH Stories
- Breastfeeding is easier with support: What child care providers can do
- Sustaining breastfeeding together: Parents can do it, you can help
- Sustaining breastfeeding together: What mothers have to say
For more information
- Email us at NHBreastfeeding@northernhealth.ca
- Reach out to Northern Health for help with breastfeeding if you have any questions or concerns
- Contact the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Maternal and Child Health Program for breastfeeding supports in local First Nations communities
- Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional
- Connect with a La Leche League leader for mother-to-mother/parent-to-parent peer support